1.6 million seek Michael Jackson memorial tickets
About 1.6 million people have registered for a chance at 17,500 free tickets to Tuesday's memorial service for Michael Jackson at Staples Center and a nearby simulcast, officials at AEG, owner of the arena, said Saturday.
Registration began at 10 a.m. Friday and ended at 6 p.m. Saturday. Those chosen will be notified by e-mail between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. today. Each of the 8,750 people selected will get an exclusive code and instructions on how to obtain two free tickets Monday.
AEG officials said 11,000 tickets will be for admission to the Staples Center service. The remaining 6,500 will be for the neighboring Nokia Theatre, where the memorial will be simulcast on big screens.
The random selection will be done by computer after the entries are "scrubbed" to eliminate duplicates and those submitted by automatic entry systems. Only people with a valid ticket and an unaltered wristband will be allowed in. No official program for the service has been announced.
-- Dan Weikel
I am in shock - I cannot believe MJ is gone. Its too bad somebody couldn't step up like Britney Spears Dad did and get him some help. I was looking forward to hearing about his tour in Europe. I grew up listening to his music and I have his Thriller Album in mint condition. I will have it framed and give it to my son who is a fan too. My heart goes out to his children, family and friends. Wow this is BIG I just cannot believe it. Love from Colorado.
Posted by: Meli | July 05, 2009 at 08:53 AM
we will always remember michael jackson he lives on!!!!!
Posted by: monica williams | July 05, 2009 at 09:56 AM
The world has lost the best voice to ever touch you ears. God bless him and his family. May God watch over his childern and keep them safe. I am one who will miss you as well as other true fans.
Posted by: Pam | July 05, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Paying For Memorial - The City and AEG should do a commemortive poster...create 500,000, sell for $9.95, net proceeds pay for memorial service so the citizens don't get stuck with this massive bill that will likely come in at $5-&M once you factor in added services at MJ's residences, etc
Posted by: D Dahl | July 05, 2009 at 11:14 AM
If just 10 percent of those people who sought tickets show up downtown, the event could go south in a hurry. It should have been held at the Coliseum, or out at Kenneth Hahn county park near the airport to accommodate at least a larger fraction of the huge number that want to attend. This event is unfortunately inviting trouble on a very large scale. I urge the City Council to go into emergency session to rethink these plans and accommodate more people who want to be there. Even a vast stretch of Pico downtown cleared from 9AM to 1PM with a stage at one end and big screens along the way would be far preferable.
Posted by: Joe Shea | July 05, 2009 at 09:21 PM
I miss Micheal Jackson he was a great man.I send my prayers out to his family he will be missed dearly but he is in heaven with God.God needed him the most.
Posted by: quantina bradshaw | July 06, 2009 at 12:28 AM