Mayhem at Copa America gates in Miami prevented ticketed fans from getting into game

Some fans with tickets to the Copa America championship match near Miami never made it inside, after stadium entrances were closed due to hooligans storming the gates, officials said Monday.

The thrilling match, won by Argentina over Colombia in extra time, started nearly 90 minutes late Sunday night because of mayhem at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, a venue set to be used for the 2026 World Cup.

Once non-ticketed fans broke inside, some gates were “closed and re-opened strategically in an attempt to allow ticketed guests to enter safely and in a controlled manner,” according to a statement issued by Hard Rock Stadium operators on Monday.

The gate closures only led to more problems as some unruly fans “continued to engage in illegal conduct — fighting police officers, breaking down walls and barricades and vandalizing the stadium,” the Hard Rock statement continued.

And once the stadium reached capacity, official said they had no choice but to keep fans out, even those with tickets.

“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,” according to a the Hard Rock Stadium statement.

“Ultimately, there is nothing more important than the health and safety of all guests and staff, and that will always remain our priority.”