MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. (WSVN) – Final frenzy has descended on South Florida days before the Copa America matchup between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium, and police have a warning to fans who want to score a ticket to the sold-out match.
7Skyforce flew above the Miami Gardens venue on Friday as the ground crews put the finishing touches on the pitch.
Miami-Dade Police Detective Argemis Colome took the opportunity to remind ticket buyers to watch out for scammers.
“There will not be any printed tickets, so if you have a printed ticket, that will probably be a fake ticket,” he said, “and also, no screenshots will be allowed.”
The excitement was palpable on Friday, two days before what promises to be a big night for soccer, as both teams have passionate fanbases in South Florida.
Police want them to be careful this weekend.
“We want everyone to come and have a good time, but to do so safely,” said Colome.
Video posted to social media captured the Colombian soccer team shortly after landing in South Florida.
It didn’t take long for Colombia fans to find the team’s hotel in Dania Beach.
“They’ve been doing great the whole tournament,” said fan Michelle Martinez.
7News cameras captured enthusiastic fans cheering and holding up Colombia flags. Some wore team jerseys.
“We’re hopefully going to the game. Tickets are crazy, but we’re doing everything possible to be able to be there, front row center, to see the team win,” said Martinez.
Meanwhile, the Argentinean team was seen leaving Loews Coral Gables Hotel for one of their last practices. Dozens of people waited to get a glimpse of the players, going wild for star player Lionel Messi.
“The players slowly came out, and as they came out, the crowd just started getting more and more hyped, and when Messi finally came out, everyine just – they just went crazy,” said fan Harshpreet Deogun. “The best possible outcome would be Messi to score a hat trick.”
“We’re just hoping that they come out, and we can get autographs and pictures and stuff,” said a fan.
In Hollywood, the Colombian restaurant Tardes Caleñas Bar Restaurant was empty Friday afternoon, but it will be packed with fans on Sunday.
Just a few blocks away, the Argentinean restaurant Kussifay is expecting a crowd as well.
“All of the street, all Argentinean people. Yeah,” said an employee at Kussifay.
In Miami Beach, fans were already seen decked out in Argentina gear near Manolo Restaurant along Collins Avenue, ear 73rd Street.
A man wearing a blue jersey shared his fearless prediction.
“We’re going to beat Colombia because Argentina plays good in finals,” he said. “They have a lot of experience.”
But at Fonda La Chismosa in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood, fan support clearly leaned toward Colombia.
“I love James Rodríguez,” said Cristina Serna with Fonda La Chismosa.
Employees at Fonda La Chismosa prepared for the big crowds. They expect to be at capacity on Sunday.
“We are expecting, maximum, 200 people,” said Serna.
“We have live Colombian music, vallenato,” said another employee.
Down the street, along the iconic Calle Ocho, Colombia soccer shirts were selling like hotcakes on Friday … or should that be arepas?
No matter who people are rooting for, Miami will be electric Sunday, with fans as passionate as the sport itself.
“It’s going to be a great game. It’s going to be energetic, it’s going to be a good atmosphere,” said a sports fan wearing a neutral gray T-shirt.
Hard Rock Stadium issued the following rules that will be enforced:
- No watch parties outside the stadium or in the parking lot.
- Parking gates open at 4 p.m.
- Parking can be purchased in advance.
- Only clear bags will be allowed.
Late Friday afternoon, cellphone video showed the Colombian team leaving their hotel on a bus.
7 will host a 7 On the Sidelines special at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. Coverage of the game is set to begin at 7 p.m.
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