MetLife Stadium chaos: Journalists wait more than three hours to enter World Cup final
More than 2,000 journalists faced waits of up to three hours just to enter MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, ahead of the World Cup final, in what many described as an unprecedented scene at soccer’s biggest event.
The lines to get into MetLife ahead of the World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina were staggering.
The media entrance descended into chaos, with a line so long it took more than five minutes just to walk from one end to the other. Some journalists reported waiting more than three hours to get inside as organizers struggled to cope with the crowds.
“I’ve been here since 8:55 a.m.,” one journalist said. The media gates were scheduled to open at 9:00 a.m. It was nearly 11:00. “And I’ve probably got another hour and a half to go.”
If Times Square was overwhelmed on the eve of the final, MetLife Stadium was the scene of the chaos on game day. The main line seemed endless. “This way, this way!” one journalist shouted. “That’s not the media line!” another replied. It wasn’t. It led to Gate 4 instead.
Lines all round the MetLife Stadium
Hundreds of people dragging suitcases rushed around the outside of the stadium in search of the correct entrance, only to find another long line waiting for them.
“It’ll be about another hour here,” one staff member said.
“You can get in through Gate 3,” another journalist told colleagues.
Credentials in hand, frustrated security staff tried to direct the crowds.
“No, no, this is the VIP entrance,” one access controller insisted as he looked at the growing chaos in front of him.
Eventually, he gave in.
“Go ahead, go ahead.”
Poor communication and confusion defined the scene just over four hours before kickoff.
Amid the disorder, one other detail stood out: Argentine fans vastly outnumbered Spanish supporters around the stadium.
The area surrounding MetLife was awash in Argentina jerseys, flags and chants, with Albiceleste supporters clearly dominating the atmosphere before the World Cup final.
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