Hard Rock Stadium hits back after chaos

Article posted by Coliseum, July 19^th, 2024

Image: Hard Rock Stadium, VJPannozzo, CC BY-SA 4.0

Officials at Hard Rock Stadium have defended the security measures in place for Sunday’s Copa America final after chaotic scenes unfolded at the venue.

Arab News said the showpiece final between Colombia and Argentina at the Miami venue was delayed by 82 minutes as overwhelmed security struggled to get fans inside after ticketless fans rushed the entry points. 27 arrests were made.

The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) accused Hard Rock Stadium of ignoring advice that might have prevented the chaotic incidents that held up the game.

Hard Rock Stadium, located in Miami Gardens, Florida, has a capacity for over 65,300 fans and serves as home to the Miami Dolphins, Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, Miami Open tennis tournament, and University of Miami, Orange Blossom Classic and Orange Bowl college football games.

CONMEBOL suggested that local organizers had failed to follow suggested procedures such as setting up an outer perimeter at the stadium to screen ticketless fans.

Stadium officials said, however, that security measures were jointly decided by the venue, CONMEBOL and local law enforcement.

Hard Rock Stadium management said in a statement, “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 among the organizer, 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 both leading up to and during the Copa America tournament.

“The agencies met regularly, including daily security briefings throughout the month-long tournament. Hard Rock Stadium implemented, and in many cases exceeded, CONMEBOL’s security recommendations throughout the tournament and the Final.”

CONMEBOL had said earlier, “We regret that the acts of violence produced by malicious people have tarnished a final that was ready to be a great celebration of sport.”

CONMEBOL added that it “was subject to the decisions made by the Hard Rock Stadium authorities, according to the contractual responsibilities established for security operations.”

Arab News further stated that the disturbing scenes before the final, won 1-0 by Argentina, immediately raised concerns for the 2026 World Cup which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Local police, overwhelmed by the situation despite the presence of 800 officers, said they detained 27 people and ejected 55 others from the venue.

It wasn’t the only concerning security incident during the tournament. In another ugly scene Uruguay players were involved in a brawl with Colombian fans in the stands after their 1-0 semi-final defeat in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Sixteen countries participated in the 2024 edition of the world’s oldest national team tournament. Argentina, who won the competition again, were defending champions, having beaten Brazil in the 2021 final.

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