Gillette Draws Nearly 60,000 For Argentina's Copa Quarterfinal Win

Gillette Stadium yesterday drew a crowd of 59,183 for Argentina's 4-1 victory over Venezuela in the Copa America Centenario quarterfinals. Argentina plays the U.S. men's national team Tuesday in one semifinal at Houston's NRG Stadium (BOSTON GLOBE, 6/19). Meanwhile, Chile yesterday "dismantled Mexico from every angle" in a 7-0 win at Levi's Stadium. It was a "sold-out stadium of 70,547 that began the night like a Mexico home game." Mexico’s fans regularly used a "homophobic chant even after being urged to stop by tournament organizers" in the wake of the Orlando shooting (AP, 6/19). 

Mexico proved to be the "biggest box-office hit of the tournament, in terms of ticket sales and television ratings." Its games were "not only a sporting event, but a celebration of identity for Mexican Americans." Mexico’s first three games in the tournament "drew an average announced attendance of 70,200" (WASHINGTON POST, 6/18).