The Miami Dolphins are assessing “significant damage” to Hard Rock Stadium as a result of Sunday’s pre-match security breach at the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia.
The stadium was vandalized. But it’s not clear whether the stadium itself is damaged structurally, or whether any parts of the stadium essential to staging Dolphins or University of Miami football games have been damaged.
Hard Rock Stadium, which will be one of host sites of the 2026 World Cup, issued a statement late Sunday night that painted a picture of prolonged attempts by “unruly fans without tickets” to enter the stadium at more than one entry.
“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,” the statement said, later adding that the unruly fans were “fighting police officers, breaking down walls and barricades and vandalizing the stadium, causing significant damage to the property.”
The statement also said Hard Rock Stadium “will continue to work with law enforcement to identify and hold criminals accountable who engaged in illegal conduct.”
It’s become common in recent years for law enforcement to match faces of those engaging in illegal behavior with video from social media and news outlets.
The Dolphins didn’t comment beyond saying they’re in the process of assessing the damage.
It’s not known what areas of the stadium were damaged, how extensive the damage might be, or when repair work might begin and conclude.
Videos on social media showed fans crawling through what appeared to be a ventilation system in an attempt to enter the stadium.
Various reports and outlets said there was damage to an escalator leading to the 72 Club and damage to the 72 Club itself.
The next major event at the stadium is the Dolphins’ Aug. 3 training camp practice.
This is the statement released by Hard Rock 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 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.”
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