‘Unruly’ fans climbed through vents at Florida stadium as chaos erupted ahead of Copa America final

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Wild video shows fans climbing through air vents to enter Hard Rock Stadium in Miami as chaos ensued, delaying the Copa America Final on Sunday.

At least 27 people were arrested as fans rushed the gates to enter the soccer stadium. According to NBC News , fans said it was “total chaos” and “mayhem” ahead of the final.

The matchup between Argentina and Colombia was ultimately delayed 90 minutes due to the chaotic crowds. Lionel Messi and Argentina went on to win the 2024 title 1-0 with a late goal.

One of the videos shows several Copa America fans entering vents at the stadium, raising questions on whether the venue is prepared to host the World Cup in two years.

“What is going on here? People are getting into the Copa America through the ventilation system? What is going on here? What the heck?” a man can be heard saying in the video.

The Hard Rock Stadium, which is home to the Miami Dolphins and set to host Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” concert this fall, is among the 11 U.S. stadiums that will be used for the 2026 World Cup.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava issued a statement saying she was outraged and is ordering “a full review of last night’s events” so “we can take all possible learnings going forward as we prepare for the 2026 World Cup.”

Cellphone video circulating on social media shows fans pushing through security guards and police officers to rush the stadium. The Miami-Dade Police Department later released a statement confirming the incidents.

“We have had several incidents prior to the gates opening at Hard Rock Stadium for the COPA America final game. These incidents have been a result of the unruly behavior of fans trying to access the stadium. We are asking everyone to be patient, and abide by the rules set by our officers and Hard Rock Stadium personnel. We are actively working with Hard Rock Stadium to ensure a safe environment for all those attending. Unruly behavior will get you ejected and/or arrested. We have a ZERO TOLERANCE behavior against unruly conduct from everyone attending,” the police department said in a statement Sunday .

On Monday, Hard Rock Stadium issued a statement regarding the unruly behavior, ensuring that security was not the issue.

The stadium said there were “numerous attempts by unruly fans without tickets” who tried to “overpower security and law enforcement personnel at entry points to the stadium.”

Hard Rock Stadium takes pride in hosting world-class events year-round in a safe and successful manner. For the Copa America Final, the venue worked in collaboration with CONMEBOL, CONCACAF and local law enforcement agencies. Preparations included an increase in 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 the 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 details 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 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.

Hard Rock Stadium

Twenty-seven people have been arrested so far, including Ramon Jesurun, Luis Beltran Martinez, and Elkin Mayorga. According to WTVJ , Martinez rushed the entry gate and did not show his ticket. He is also accused of throwing water at an officer to distract him from arresting another person.

Mayorga reportedly jumped the stadium’s turnstiles and resisted officer’s attempts to remove him from the stadium, WTVJ reported.

Both men are facing charges related to trespassing and battery on a law enforcement officer. Mayorga is facing additional charges such as disorderly intoxication and resisting an officer with violence.

According to MDPD, 55 people were ejected in addition to the 27 arrests. There were over 800 law enforcement officers at the stadium.

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