Settlement Reached in Copa América Lawsuit Over Access Issues

A class action lawsuit filed by fans following the 2024 Copa América final between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium has reportedly resulted in a settlement. The lawsuit stemmed from access and safety issues that prevented some ticket holders from entering the venue and caused others to leave prematurely. According to ESPN, those affected are anticipated to represent the majority of claimants in the case.

The defendants named in the suit include CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, Best Security, and South Florida Stadium LLC, the organization responsible for operating Hard Rock Stadium. As part of the settlement agreement, these entities will contribute over $14 million to a compensation fund intended for eligible fans. The final distribution amount will be determined by the total number of claims received.

The final, held on July 14, 2024, faced an 82-minute delay due to a significant influx of ticketless individuals attempting to enter the stadium, which led to a security lockdown. This situation necessitated the reopening of gates to alleviate congestion outside the venue. Reports indicated that there were multiple arrests and ejections, and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue had to respond to various medical incidents occurring within the stadium.

Consequently, many paying ticket holders were either unable to access the event or opted to leave early, contributing to the expected majority of claims under the settlement.

According to the terms of the settlement, eligible claimants will fall into two distinct categories. Fans who were denied entry may claim up to $2,000 each to cover the cost of their tickets, with an additional allowance of up to $300 for travel expenses if the ticket price was below the cap.

The second category pertains to patrons who did not have full access to stadium facilities or services, such as concessions and merchandise, with compensation capped at $100 per individual. The total payout will ultimately depend on the number of claims submitted against the approximately $14 million fund.

This settlement provides a framework for affected fans to seek compensation for the access and safety issues encountered during the 2024 Copa América final. Additionally, Hard Rock Stadium is slated to host matches during the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.