Hard Rock Stadium issues statement after ‘significant damage’ at disastrous Copa América final

Despite doubling down on the law enforcement presence at Sunday night’s Copa América final at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, the venue was thrown into chaos leading to “significant damage,” as well as a delay to the kickoff of the game between Colombia and the eventual champion, Argentina.

Hard Rock Stadium put out a statement on Monday, telling the public that they are working with law enforcement to identify those who broke laws on Sunday and to conduct a review of the processes and protocols involved with hosting such a large event.

The United States is one of three countries hosting World Cup games during the 2026 tournament, with Miami acting as a host city. Clearing up concerns about attendee safety will be key for Hard Rock Stadium leading up to the world’s most-watched football tournament.

Hard Rock Stadium releases statement after chaos

“Hard Rock Stadium takes pride in hosting world-class events year-round in a safe and successful manner,” the statement reads. “For the Copa America Final, the venue worked in collaboration with CONMEBOL, CONCACAF and local law enforcement agencies. Preparations included an increase in the number of law enforcement officers and security on-hand, with more than double the personnel than a typical at-capacity stadium event.

“Throughout the afternoon and evening, there were numerous attempts by unruly fans without tickets to overpower security and law enforcement personnel at entry points to the stadium, putting themselves, other fans and security and stadium staff at extreme risk. Various stadium gates were closed and re-opened strategically in an attempt to allow ticketed guests to enter safely and in a controlled manner. Fans continued to engage in illegal conduct – fighting police officers, breaking down walls and barricades and vandalizing the stadium, causing significant damage to the property.

“When it became apparent that it would not be safe to start the match at 8 p.m., a joint decision was made to postpone. Shortly after 8 p.m., stadium officials, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF and law enforcement officers communicated and decided to open stadium gates for a short period of time to all fans to prevent stampedes and serious injury at the perimeter. The gates were then closed once the threat of fans being crushed was alleviated. At that time, the venue was at capacity and gates were not re-opened. Shortly after the match started, alcohol sales were stopped and event organizers instituted a detailed plan and increased security presence to allow for a peaceful egress upon the conclusion of the match.

“We understand there are disappointed ticket holders who were not able to enter the stadium after the perimeter was closed, and we will work in partnership with CONMEBOL to address those individual concerns. Ultimately, there is nothing more important than the health and safety of all guests and staff, and that will always remain our priority.

“We are grateful to the law enforcement officers who managed a difficult situation and prioritized the safety of the venue, the players, their families and the fans. We will continue to work with law enforcement to identify and hold criminals accountable who engaged in illegal conduct tonight. It is disappointing that a night of celebration was impacted by unlawful and unsafe behavior, and we will fully review the processes and protocols in place tonight and work with law enforcement to ensure such an event never happens again.”

Argentina tops Colombia 1-0 in extra time of Copa América

After the game finally got underway following an hour-and-a-half delay, fans at the Copa América final were treated to a 0-0 draw until extra time. Argentinian Lautaro Martínez scored the winning goal over Colombia after the team pulled legendary scorer Lionel Messi due to an ankle injury.