Featured image credit: Elbert Hampton/CC0 1.0/Edited for size
Hard Rock Stadium has fired back at criticism from the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) following the scenes that marred Miami’s staging of the 2024 Copa América final.
Kick-off for Sunday’s match between Argentina and Colombia was delayed by over an hour as security issues overshadowed the game at Hard Rock Stadium, home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. The match had been due to kick off at 8pm local time but did not start until 9:22pm. Argentina ultimately won the final 1-0 after extra time to claim its third major tournament in a row.
The Copa América final saw 27 people arrested and 55 people ejected from Hard Rock Stadium, Miami-Dade Police Department said on Monday. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue added that it responded to 120 incidents, including 116 medical-related matters both in and around the stadium.
The events that unfolded on Sunday have seemingly caused significant damage to Hard Rock Stadium and in the initial wake of the game, the venue moved to defend its handling of the situation. This year’s Copa América was co-organised by CONMEBOL and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).
CONMEBOL on Monday appeared to lay the finger of blame at local organisers, stating: “As is known, during the final in Miami, fans without tickets went to the vicinity of the stadium, which delayed normal access for people who did have them, which slowed down entry and led to the closure of the doors.
“Given this situation, CONMEBOL was subject to the decisions made by the authorities of Hard Rock Stadium, in accordance with the contractual responsibilities established for the security operation. In addition to the provisions set out in said contract, CONMEBOL recommended to said authorities the procedures tested in events of this magnitude, which were NOT taken into account.
“We regret that the acts of violence caused by malicious people have marred a final that was set to be a great sporting event.”
The incidents on Sunday, along with other issues throughout the staging of the Copa América, have led to questions over the levels of preparedness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States is due to co-host with Mexico and Canada.
Hard Rock Stadium will host seven matches during the expanded World Cup in 2026, including a quarter-final and the third-place play-off. Following CONMEBOL’s statement on Monday, Hard Rock Stadium yesterday chose to respond with regards its credentials for staging major events.
It said: “Hard Rock Stadium has safely hosted hundreds of world-class events in its 37-year history, including Super Bowls, major international soccer matches, Formula 1, NFL and college football, headline concert tours and other global events. In each of those, security was a joint effort amongst the organiser, local law enforcement agencies and the venue.
“As we’ve previously said, Hard Rock Stadium worked collaboratively with CONMEBOL, CONCACAF and local law enforcement agencies on security leading up to and during the Copa América tournament.
“The agencies met regularly, including daily security briefings during the month-long tournament. Hard Rock Stadium implemented, and in many cases exceeded, CONMEBOL’s security recommendations throughout the tournament and the final.
“As we do following all major events, we will evaluate the protocols and processes in place across all aspects of stadium operations. We remain grateful for the law enforcement officers and stadium staff who worked to prioritise the safety of all attendees despite the unprecedented scale of aggressive and unlawful behaviour on display from a subset of unruly fans.”
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