Blogs

Copa America final delayed: Hard Rock Stadium breached by ticketless fans before game

Jul 15, 2024 | Local News

July 15, 2024

Shortly before the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium, ticketless fans attempting to enter the venue caused a lockdown, delaying the kickoff by over an hour. Around 6 p.m. local time, fans breached the gates, leading to chaos as they evaded security. Videos showed many without tickets entering the sold-out stadium, which holds 75,000 people. At least seven people were treated, and ten were arrested.

Security intermittently allowed fans in at a very slow pace, closing and reopening gates multiple times. Players checked on their families amid the chaos, with some fans fainting while waiting to enter. The game, originally set for 8 p.m., eventually started after 9:15 p.m.

Security gradually let people in but stopped checking tickets at one point, causing further issues inside the stadium. Ticketless fans occupied various areas, and it took most of the first half to clear them out. Many ticket holders were unable to enter despite spending significant amounts.

This incident is the latest in a series of security failures at the Copa America, following a brawl between Uruguay and Colombia fans in Charlotte days earlier. The situation echoed a similar security breach at the European Championship final at Wembley Stadium three years ago.

Did you like this article?

Did you like this article?

0 Comments

Latest Posts

Canada to Face Chile at BMO Field Following Historic World Cup Run

Canadian soccer fans won't have to wait long to see the men's national team back in action. Canada Soccer has announced that the Canadian men's national team will host Chile at Toronto's BMO Field on Sept. 26, before travelling to Montreal to face Peru at Stade Saputo...

Deadly Flooding in Chile Leaves 13 Dead and Thousands Displaced

Chile is reeling after days of heavy rainfall triggered devastating flooding across the country's central and southern regions, leaving at least 13 people dead and seven others missing. The powerful storms have flooded communities, damaged homes, washed out roads and...

Toronto’s Birth Rate Falls to One of the Lowest in the World

Toronto is having fewer babies than ever before. The city's fertility rate has dropped to just 1.11 children per woman—one of the lowest rates in the world and well below the level needed to maintain population growth without immigration. Experts point to a...

Events

Related articles