The highly anticipated FIFA World Cup match between Colombia and Portugal is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans to Miami Stadium on Saturday, prompting an extensive security operation across South Florida.
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Officials say nearly 5 million ticket requests were made for the match, but only about 65,000 people can fit inside the stadium.
Law enforcement agencies have been preparing for the game since the chaotic scenes that unfolded during the 2024 Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium.
That match was delayed for more than an hour after out-of-control crowds breached security gates. More than two dozen people were arrested.
“It was an eye-opener for us,” Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz said.
Cordero-Stutz was not in office at the time of the Copa America final, but she said her office has been working with the FBI and surrounding police departments to ensure there is no repeat of those events.
“I’m going to tell you the very biggest thing that happened that came out of that was the realization that football fans are very different across the world than what we in America were used to,” she said.
As part of the security plan, there will be no tailgating outside Miami Stadium. Officials have also widened the perimeter around the stadium so that only people with tickets can get close to the gates.
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Fans attending the match will still be required to pass through metal detectors, and officials say they will be keeping a close eye out for fake tickets and credentials.
Security efforts are not limited to the stadium. Fans can also expect a large police presence on Miami Beach and at FanFest at Bayfront Park.
“Behind us, we have an army of individuals in blue and brown that are really safeguarding our community, that are doing the work,” newly minted Miami Police Chief Edwin Lopez said.
Authorities are also enforcing no-drone zones. Miami Police say they have intercepted 76 drones.
Officials are urging fans to monitor social media for updates on weather, detours, parking, safety information and any changes related to the event.
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