The top seven best-selling Copa America matches have involved Argentina and Colombia (fans shown), according to data from StubHub ticket marketplace.
Mark J. Rebilas
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Tickets are going for $1,600 to $8,000, the list of watch parties keeps growing, and South Florida is awash in bright yellow, sky blue and white as the national soccer teams of Colombia and Argentina prepare to play the Copa America final on Sunday night at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
This would be a huge game no matter where it was being held, but it is especially momentous in this market, home to 250,000 Colombian immigrants and 60,000 Argentinean immigrants. West Kendall, Doral and Weston have a large concentration of Colombians and North Beach is nicknamed Little Buenos Aires.
According to Pew Research, 31 percent of the Colombians living in the United States and 23 percent of the Argentineans live in Florida. Most are in South Florida, with other large pockets in the Tampa and Orlando areas.
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Both countries boast famously passionate soccer fans who have been on display throughout the Copa America as La Albiceleste (the Argentine sky blue and white) and Los Cafeteros (the Colombian coffeemakers) made their way to the championship match.
According to data from StubHub, ticket buyers for the final are coming from 55 countries. U.S. buyers lead demand, accounting for 75 percent of tickets sold. Of the 25 percent of tickets sold to buyers outside of the U.S., 31 percent were from Argentina, 20 percent from Colombia and nine percent from Mexico.
Argentina and Colombia matches have been the biggest draw throughout the tournament. Five of the top seven best-selling games on StubHub involved Argentina and the other two involved Colombia.
Adding to the intrigue is Inter Miami star Lionel Messi, the 37-year-old Argentine captain, World Cup champion and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. Sunday’s game (8 p.m., Fox, Univision) will likely be his final Copa America appearance.
“Copa America matches featuring Argentina have been the hottest ticket for U.S. buyers throughout the tournament, so naturally demand is high to see Messi play in Miami for his country in the final,” said Adam Budelli, spokesperson for StubHub. “When he joined Inter Miami last season, sales for the club on StubHub increased nearly 28 times.”
Argentina is the defending Copa America champion while resurgent Colombia, led by captain James Rodriguez, is riding a 28-game unbeaten streak and has not played in a Copa final since 2001. Colombian singer songwriter Shakira will perform at halftime, adding to the event’s Latin flavor.
Anticipating a lot of first-time visitors to Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Miami Dade County officials released a list of tips for guests who may not be used to the oppressive summer weather or the stadium’s many rules
Included on the list are reminders to stay hydrated, wear light clothing and be aware of signs of heat stroke. The list also explains that the stadium prohibits fireworks, flares, explosives, ammunition, or any other incendiary devices, air horns, whistles, noisemakers, alcohol, glass bottles, cans, coolers, thermoses, ice chests and purses larger than 12 inches by 2 inches by 12 inches (30.4 cm by 5.08 cm, by 30.4 cm).
Where are the Copa America Watch Parties?
If you can’t get to the stadium and want to watch with other fans, here are some options…
▪ Fanzone Albiceleste AFA: The House of Futbol (Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Blvd. Miami)
Argentine soccer pop up experience. Open daily through Sunday, July 14th from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m, this pop-up offers an immersive celebration tailored to devoted fans of Argentina soccer. Includes a museum of Argentine soccer history, a fan zone, games for kids. To purchase tickets, please visit Albiceleste Museum Ticketing Site. Fanzone Albiceleste activations are located on the second floor (museum) with an outdoor area (music and activities) on the ground floor.
▪ Tamias Official Fan Zone for CONMEBOL Copa América 2024 at Wynwood Marketplace, (2250 NW 2nd Ave. Miami) Tamias and CONMEBOL teamed up with SWARM and Wynwood Marketplace to present the official Copa America USA 2024 Fan Zone, which includes big screens, fan activations, concerts, and food. The event is free for fans for the championship game watch party July 14th.
▪ Fontainebleau Miami Beach (4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach)
Catch the Copa America final at a poolside watch party on Sunday from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach. The hotel’s Arkadia Day Club transforms into the ultimate viewing destination for adults 21 and over. Cheer alongside fellow fans, decked out in your team’s colors, and enjoy the game on a big screen. Cabana and daybed packages are available for groups, or opt for general admission which includes a complimentary beer with additional food and drinks for purchase. Tickets start at $25. Call (305) 338-2000 for information or check the website.
▪ Eden Roc Hotel (4525 Collins Ave. Miami Beach)
Copa América Final Viewing Party on the big screen outdoors at Ocean Social & Aquatica Pool from 7-11 p.m. Two Viewing Venues:
Ocean Social – Reserve your seats in the oceanfront outdoor (covered) restaurant. Take in the cool salty ocean breeze with beer and food.
Aquatica — Our lower level pool with large backyard. Watch the game on the big screens with sound on the turf, under the garden lights and stars. With plenty of seating, bring the entire family. Garden games available.
Admission is free and attendees of all ages are welcome. All food and drink will be available for purchase. Must be 21+ to consume alcohol. We kindly request a complimentary RSVP.
▪ Manolo’s Restaurant (7300 Collins Ave., Miami Beach)
Argentine bakery/restaurant is always a favorite gathering spot for fans of La Albiceleste.
▪ Novecento CityPlace, Doral, (8300 NW 36th St.)
Argentinean restaurant Novecento will host watch party. Reservations for the watch parties are strongly suggested and can be made on OpenTable or by calling 786.871.4935.
▪ Fritz and Franz Bierhaus (60 Merrick Way, Coral Gables) One of South Florida’s legendary soccer watching venues just got a new lease, and that’s great news for fans, who can watch all the Copa America matches while sampling beers and loading up on hot pretzels, schnitzels and bratwurst.
▪ Pilo’s Tequila Garden (158 Northwest 24th St. Wynwood)
Colombian watch party with drink specials. Reserve your spot now by dialing 305-204-1452. Must be 21-over.
▪ La Matriarca Colombian restaurant (2255 NW 87 Ave. Doral)
Popular Colombian restaurant hosting a watch party for the final, including many drink specials. Go to lamatriarca.com for more information.
▪ Le Chick (310 NW 24 St., Wynwood) Enjoy $5 beers and $7 shots, wood fired wings. Table reservations are highly recommended. Please email [email protected] to book your table in advance. Dress Code: Favorite Team Gear.
▪ The Clevelander, (1020 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach)
With its partnership with KRÜ, The Clevelander is the Official Parties of Leo Messi & Kun Aguero. The popular Miami Beach venue has been showing all Copa games. For details and schedule, www.clevelander.com/weekly-special-events/events
▪ Lowe’s home improvement store (850 NE 167 St, North Miami Beach)
If you have been watching Copa America on TV, surely you have seen the Lowe’s commercials featuring Lionel Messi. The store recently partnered with Messi, Inter Miami and Copa America and will host a watch party for the final. Festivities include a Meet-and-Greet with retired Argentine star Maxi Rodriguez from 7:05 – 7:40 p.m., followed by a Q&A with Rodriguez and announcer Luis Omar Tapia from 7:40 – 7:55 p.m.. Also, food trucks, kids games, photo booth, face painting.
▪ Veza Sur brewery (55 NW 25 St, Wynwood)
Colombian American brewery hosting a final watch party with drink specials.
▪ Bayshore Club (3391 Pan American Dr., Coconut Grove)
Watch the Copa America final at this waterfront restaurant, bar with $5 La Rubia drink specials.
▪ The Brightside, Miami. (1721 SW 22nd St., Miami)
A favorite spot for USA fans, but with the red, white, and blue bounced in the group stage, it’s still a good spot to watch soccer.
▪ Biscayne Bay Brewing Co. (100 NE First Ave, 3rd floor, Miami)
Catch all the Copa America action at Biscayne Bay Brewing. This locally-owned brewery in downtown Miami will show the Copa America final on flat-screen TVs surrounding the wrap-around bar and on a projector screen. During the games fanatics can enjoy $50 beer towers and $5 beers! Pair your beer with their juicy burgers, tequeños, Margherita flatbread, 1/2 lb bucket of fries and more.
▪ Batch Gastropub Miami (30 SW 12th St, Miami)
Reservation Link: https://www.batchgastropub.com/reservations/ Catch the most highly anticipated Copa America and Euro 2024 games at Batch Gastropub in Brickell! Enjoy game day specials, including 5 for $30 mix-and-match 16oz beer buckets, $5 Bud Light drafts, and $5 Barn Burner shots. Savor delicious food offerings such as crispy calamari, truffle fries, and signature Batch wings. Indulge in hearty mains like the Batch burger, short rib, birria quesadilla, baby back ribs, and more.
▪ Cathedral Soccer (2728 Northeast 2nd Ave., Miami)
Good spot for soccer fans of all nations.
▪ Amara at Paraiso (3101 NE 7th Ave, Miami)
Catch all the action live on our TVs with sound during game times. Enjoy a Monopolio bucket of 5 beers for $25 or a refreshing Fernet & Coke for $12. Enjoy delicious bites like Yucca Tots with Huancaina and Vinaigrette, Provoleta with Tostones, and Bolon a Verde. More information: https://amaraatparaiso.com/copa-america-viewing/
▪ Grails Restaurant & Bar (2800 North Miami Avenue Miami) This popular Wynwood spot offers ice-cold beers, food, 70+ HD TVs and a passionate Copa America 2024 community.
▪ Julia & Henry’s (200 E. Flagler St., Miami)
Watch parties with food and drink specials.
▪ Hooters (Locations in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Miami, Doral, Hialeah, Pembroke Pines, Sunrise, Weston, Bradenton, Ft. Myers, Naples, Sarasota) Visit your neighborhood Hooters during the Copa America tournament and catch the soccer action while enjoying world famous Hooters wings and other favorite menu items. Enjoy $15 Michelob Ultra pitchers (the beer Lionel Messi promotes).
▪ Miami Beach Bandshell (7275 Collins Ave., Miami Beach)
The Rhythm Foundation proudly presents a free screening of the final match of the Copa America 2024 on July 14.
Other Copa-related events…
▪ Aventura Mall Mastercard Copa America Week-long Fan Fest (Aventura Mall)
Interactive installations include a circular soccer turf, kicking challenges, country jersey displays, a 3D soccer ball photo op, and a soccer obstacle course.
Located near Bloomingdale’s in the Lower Level, this partnership between MasterCard and Aventura Mall creates the ultimate destination for Copa America enthusiasts of all ages.
(If you would like your restaurant/bar to be added to our Copa America Watch Party list, please email [email protected])
Miami Herald sportswriter Michelle Kaufman has covered 14 Olympics, six World Cups, Wimbledon, U.S. Open, NCAA Basketball Tournaments, NBA Playoffs, Super Bowls and has been the soccer writer and University of Miami basketball beat writer for 25 years. She was born in Frederick, Md., and grew up in Miami.
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Publish date : 2024-07-12 14:42:00
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