A federal class action lawsuit was filed on Friday on behalf of ticketed fans who were denied entry to the Copa América finals at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Sunday. The suit claims that “thousands of unticketed fans” breached security, causing the stadium gates to be shut.
Defendants in the lawsuit include Hard Rock Stadium, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf), and the security firm Best Crowd Management.
The match between Argentina and Colombia sold approximately 65,300 tickets. However, the game was delayed for over an hour due to the security breach. A stadium spokesperson explained that to prevent stampedes and injuries, the gates were temporarily reopened to all fans.
The lawsuit alleges that the defendants failed to provide adequate security and safety measures, including hiring insufficient security personnel, underestimating the number of unticketed attendees, and not establishing a ticket-checking perimeter.
The complaint describes the chaotic scene, with fans injured, parents protecting children, and assaults among fans, staff, and local police. It argues that the defendants should have anticipated the chaos and acted to protect ticket holders.
Lead plaintiff Das Nobel claims he spent nearly $10,000 on four tickets and an additional $15,000 on travel and lodging. He states that no tickets were scanned when he arrived and that the Southeast gate was locked. Nobel and his family waited for hours before returning to their hotel, witnessing fans breaking into the stadium.
The lawsuit states that Hard Rock Stadium was responsible for security plans negotiated with CONMEBOL and Concacaf and that they hired Best Crowd Management for additional security. CONMEBOL claimed they followed Hard Rock Stadium’s decisions, noting that certain procedures were overlooked.
Hard Rock Stadium responded, stating they exceeded CONMEBOL’s security recommendations throughout the tournament. The lawsuit seeks full ticket refunds, interest, and travel expense reimbursement for those denied entry, but does not seek damages for personal injuries.
Both Hard Rock Stadium and CONMEBOL declined to comment on the litigation. Hard Rock Stadium advised ticket holders denied entry to request refunds through Ticketmaster, while Concacaf stated it would not comment on legal matters. CNN has reached out to Best Crowd Management for comment.
Another lawsuit was filed by ticket holder Jacqueline Martinez, who bought four tickets for over $4,000 but could not enter due to the crowds. She seeks $50,000 in damages for a refund and emotional distress.
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