Jackson memorial ticket winners line up at Dodger Stadium

Cars and trucks blaring Michael Jackson music were lined up at Dodger Stadium as early as 6 this morning as people arrived to redeem their vouchers for the golden tickets and wristbands to Jackson’s Staples Center memorial service.

Bob and Shaneese Lewis of Palm Springs awoke at 3 a.m. to make the drive to the stadium. Both had registered for tickets online, and it was Bob Lewis' entry that got them through the gates.

“I feel very lucky,” he said. “I grew up on Michael Jackson and I learned to dance watching Michael Jackson.”

The Lewises plan to stay with friends this evening, then pay their respects and pray for Jackson at the memorial service, which will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday. “I feel like I won the lottery,” Bob Lewis said.

About 1.6 million people signed up to receive the free tickets, which will grant entry either to the live event at Staples Center or to neighboring Nokia Theatre, where the memorial will be shown on a live feed.

-- Allen J. Schaben at Dodger Stadium and Nicole Santa Cruz

Photo: Michael Jackson fans Shaneese and Bob Lewis, of Palm Springs, show off the vouchers for tickets to the Jackson memorial that they won in an online lottery. Credit: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times

> > > More photos

Comments

[david]

It must be nice to be able to take 2 days off after a holiday weekend to memorial a guy you dont even know.
With all the economic woes of the world it is really funny.
Who is paying for all of this non sense......

[Bad Planning]

I can't believe what is going on. With all the financial mess, unemployment and middle east turmoil people have the nerve to glamorize MIchael AND idolize him like a god. If this same group of people can gear up and organize as quickly as they are doing like for Michael's vigil we can definitely make some political progress in this country..

[West Valley Dave]

This is going to be a fiasco. Just watch. What a waste of time and city tax dollars.

[j]

Can't believe there's people selling these tickets for $20,000 on ebay when these people should've just not bothered & let the true fans get a better chance of obtaining them. Can't they get apprehended for doing this?

[Joe]

So this is what an idiot looks like....

[the miss]

I loved Michael too grew up his music watched him Moon Walk on TV for the first time. I also loved Farria Faucet too. These icons remind me of my childhood. We must also remember we have our young men fighting for our freedom in Iraq we must pray daily for them.. Much Love and many prayers for there family... The Miss

[a concerned parent looking out for his daughter]

Did anyone with a yahoo.com email ID get a ticket or receive the "sorry" email?

In my circle, it appears anyone who had a yahoo email address did not get any type of acknowledgment while those with other service providers at least got the "sorry" email.

Just wondering if all accounts from the yahoo.com domain were deleted from the drawing as part of the selection process.

[Rhoda Ryder]

Not a good week to be in LA. Michael's death draws lots of fans, and this is good profit for the music and media industries. Not so good for the locals, but what can you do. Will the media and music industry help to pay for all this, or is the tribute to Michael on the backs of LA county taxpayers?

[myfailsafe]

LOSERS!!!!

[Jan H.]

Even in death, Michael still has to prove himself. I guess the O'Jays were right ...... "For the Love of Money"

[Andrew]

Plain stupid.
It took me longer to get to work due to this mess!

[Anne Milstead]

I can't get on line to request three tickets to Michael Jackson's Memorial since I will be in LA 7-7- which happens to be my daughter Andrea's birthday. Please please someone call me if available at 949 4002216. I will be happy to receive them and see Michael Jackson finally! Rest in Peace our King of Pop to the Jackson Family my heartfelt condolence to you and his children. God Bless and may Michael Rest in Peace and Heaven with God. Amen.
Anne Milstead

[Stacey Small]

I WAS A MICHAEL JACKSON FAN EVER SINCE I WAS 11YEARS OLD ! MY MOTHER INTRODUCED ME TO MICHAEL THROUGH HIS MUSIC! SHE ALSO IS A FAN SHE LISTENED TO HIS MUSIC WHEN SHE WAS YOUNG! WE HAD HIS ALBULMS, HIS JACKETS, PINS, HIS DOLL,VIDEO'S T-SHIRTS! MY BEDROOM WALL YOU COULD SEE THE WALL PAPER IT WAS FULL OF MICHAEL JACKSON POSTERS ! I NEVERT WILL FOR GET WHEN I SAW HIM IN CONSERT ON TV ! WHEN HE BURNED HIS FACE, I CRIED OVER AN HOUR AND A HALF ! I CAN'T BELIEVE HE IS REALLY GONE! I READ HIS BOOKS LISTENED TO HIS MUSIC WATCHED HIS VIDEO'S ON MTV ! HE WAS AND ALWAYS WILL BE MY FAVORITE SINGER !
I HAVE A DAUGHTER AND SON NOW AND NOW THEY ARE 5 AND 11/2 AND MY DAUGTHER LIKES HIS MUSIC ! I THINK MY SON WILL TOO ! I PRAY FOR MICHAEL AND HIS FAMILY, MAY GOD BLESS THEM IN THEIR MORNING AND FOREVER.

SINCERELY, MRS. STACEY SMALL

[Kristy]

@David comment is right. The City of LA and Police Fund is paying for this Memorial? There goes more mone wasted. We are highest Unemployment, Many People have loss there jobs, Many people loss there Retirement and Califiornia will be out of Money soon! and now we will be spending money for MJ memorial? I heard this memorial will cost 5 Milion. Give me a break.... Why is Mayor Villarosa put a stop on this paying memorial.

Why don't we use the our tax payers money for good use like our Millary US Troops who loss many lives fighting the war? Also use money to help bring jobs in LA back. All these people winning to go to memorial probably don't even work shows how we the people don't know what we should use money for good use. Not for some Musician who was a Child Molestor, 400 million in financial debt, 50 times plastic surgery in his face, 3 kids are not really his. He paid surogate mother money.

So for all this??? has this person is no God, President. I think we have over did it using media make this person so popular in spotlight. What tick me off is when news said North Korea was going to launch a nuclear missle going to Hawaii. The news was posted below MJ Big Memorial News. WOW! this shows you how news media just do not care what happens if we get bomb by Nuclear bomb.

I hope that Nuclear bomb hits Staples center so we can have this event cancelled and teach everyone this should not be so important to think about MJ memorial. Has many people die every day so why not Move on.

[PDR; town without pity]

I won a ticket to a funeral!!! OMG!!! Will there be an after party?
The dignity of this is overwhelming.

[DEEDUB67]

I got the Sorry E-mail around 3:00 A.M. this morning. I was hoping for a chance to go to a once in a lifetime event. Please peeps be good out there please don't cause any problems. Let the guy have a day of peace he has been through enough. I

[ivy]

Dear MJ - fans,

Only this morning I got the information that I've won an admission
ticket for Michaels remembrance vigil. I'm living in Germany, and so
it's no more possible for me to be with him in time.

Is there anybody else who might be interested in this ticket? I would
love to give it away for free or for whatever a real fan would give me
in return.

[Mongo]

WHAT A BUNCH OF LOSERS ! ! ! ! ! GET A JOB

[Ian]

I wouldn't call any of these people winners.

[Tony]

My confirmation was in my spam folder. I would not have known if my wife didn't ask me to check it. I gave the ticket to her since she registered me. She is going to take sister. I'll be there in spirit.

[Debbie]

I didn't even try to get tickets to his memorial (live too far away to attend), and I never saw him perform live in concert - only on television. I love his music. Growing up, all of my neighborhood friends would watch the J5 on television and listen to their or MJ's albums, records, cds, etc. Then, we would go into someone's basement, listen to his music or the J5 music and practice those dance moves. We were pathetic! We knew every word to every song that either the group or MJ sang. When he did the Moonwalk for the first time, I was mesmerized. Of course, we tried that move too. When Elvis Presley passed away in 1977, my mother kept the local newspaper reporting his death; she was an Elvis fan; he meant something to her. I too have kept the local newspaper reporting MJ's death because he means something to me.

[Danny]

Couldn't help but think--when I saw the L.A. Times picture just now of the two guys smiling and waving their Michael Jackson memorial event tickets like they just won the lottery--isn't this a bit unseemly? After all these are tickets to a memorial service, not a concert. Shouldn't people be looking more sad and mournful? I'm just saying is all...

[michelle]

I got a ticket and i am on yahoo...i cant get there in time though. Im in texas

[Beth]

I understand the desire to honor the memory of Michael Jackson because he is probably the most amazing artist of our time. However, I dont think the city of LA should be footing the bill for the memorial. This is ridiculous. This state is in enough of a financial crisis as it is and this just seems like a really bad way to spend tax payer dollars.

[Victor]

The two guys on the front page is two of norwegians most known commedians. Watch on youtube Espen Eckbos "Twelve year old woman":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UZ1oPt2FVk&feature=related

from his movie Boyzvoiced

And Steinjo's "Been there done that":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yka1D3DOr6Q&feature=related

Those guys have more funny things, but most of it is in norwegian.

[Geeja]

Will someone in the media write an article or report on how much of a financial boost this fiasco is bringing to the city coffers so these LOA is broke people will shut the hell up?

[D Fry]

All of you Michael Jackson Haters - Stop hating! The man was an ICON. If it was Elvis, or uh President Bush, you'd line up too.

[VILLE 9809]

You people hatin on MJ. Yall wasted tax payer dollars tryin to prosecute MJ on charges that he was not found guilty of by jury of his peers. Micheal was superstar in every since of the let him get his final shine on HATERS !

[tyler]

Do not bother emailing the govenor.He will tell you that our local offcials can help us.Thats what they told me when i emailed him about the laker parade.The thing is ,our lovely mayor decided to take a vacation in africa.That is where he will be when all this mess hits the fan.Our taxes better not be used for this.I just can not believe that our mayor gets sworn in and then takes off to Africa.He should be recalled.Its going to be a madhouse down there and then the city should get together and sue the jackson family for all of this crap!

[kv]

this whole thing is nuts...and ya gotta love all these "lottery winners" beaming happily at their being able to attend what is in essence a funeral/memorial...guess it is just one big party being paid for by the city---pathetic

[steve]

I got my tickets but decided not to go because something came up that I have to attend to. First person who meets me at 5th and Hope at 3:00 PM today can have them for nothing. I'll be wearing a Michael Jackson RIP T Shirt. Last one there is a rotten egg!!!

[Shevalsheshe]

People need to mourn this great loss. I love Michael Jackson and his beautiful talent. Talent like this comes along once in a life time. Had he been ill for a while and his death was expected, things might have been different. However, I never met this wonderful man and I will miss him greatly. He will live on through his music; however, it will not be like having him here to perform. Now, while I am mourning this loss, most music that I listen too sounds so shallow and weak because I know that other artists have not put the time and talent into their music like Michael did. I will miss him sorely - as will millions around the world!

[DEEDUB67]

Hey Cristie are you upset you didn't win any tickets. Do you want a great big hug.

[Laker Fan]

The city didn't want to help pay for a Laker parade, which was actually for the people of L.A. I understand that with things as they are. So why was the city council so ready to pay for all the police costs for a famous man's memorial? I know people want to show they're respects, but what does this have to do with the City of L.A. and why are we paying for this? At least at the parade anyone who wanted to could come and watch. I don't understand why we are paying for an individual's memorial. How about keeping the jobs of a few teachers instead?

[Alli]

Kristy,

How DARE you! You clearly do not understand the impact Michael's death has had on the world, and rightly so. Did you really just say you hope a nuclear bomb hits the Staples Center? Wow....you have serious problems. I hope you get tracked down and arrested for making such violent suggestions. If you don't like the press this is getting, then go move to a deserted island somewhere!

[Morgan]

Does anybody know if Michael Jackson will be buried as a muslim or in any other religious ceremony. I heard the Jacksons recently converted to Islam. Is that true ?

[kåre]

Who are the stupid looking guys at the front page? Probably Swedish MJ fans..

[Betty]

I have a yahoo account and didn't get any type of response. However, my daughter who has a yahoo account got a sorry notice.

[Clint Bradford]

>> ... just wondering if all accounts from the yahoo.com domain were deleted from the drawing as part of the selection process ...

Could have been ... and there's nothing anyone can do about it. Per the agreement we all were offered to read when we signed up (you DID read the four-page legal agreement, didn't you???), the organizers had complete control of who they approved and who they did not.

They also now have a database full of 1.6-1.9 million MJ fans ... most of whom would gladly pay, say, twenty bucks each for some sort of an "exclusive" memorabilia offering from AEG.

MJ, Inc. is much more profitable today than ever: there's no overhead expenses (just burn DVDs and CDs), and no MJ extravagant spending.

[EDGAR WINCHELL]

LA ....The rest of the country always believed you were a bunch of idiots now, with the help of ole Rev. Sharpton you leave no doubt. Not a dime of federal taxdollars for you morons

[Scott]

Wow rooting for North Korea to nuke Staples Center... I know some people are understandibly bothered by this whole Michael Jackson business but isn't that a little extreme?

On a separate note, what's the difference between watching a "live stream" at Nokia and watching from your own TV?

[Mary]

This was not the death of a president, a Pope or an important leader such as Dr. King. This was the death of a man who loved music and brought great music to his fans - PERIOD! The story of anythng other than this is being driven by the media. I am embarrased by the conduct of the television networks, by the conduct of people whose lives are so empty that chasing after the memory of a pathetic has been, forms the center of their universe. Question: If Michael Jackson was so beloved, why didn't his family and 'friends" help him? Given this crazy behavior...who says Sarah Palin couldn't become president!

[Jo]

This whole MJ memorial has turned into a freak show. Don't get me wrong, I love MJ and have for some time, but I really wish the end of his life didn't turn into this huge media spectacle. I see news clips and pictures of people laughing and acting all excited about winnning tickets to a memorial. This is a time to look back and remember a great man, not a time to "win" tickets and then try and sell them on Ebay for a profit. I'll bet many of the people who are excited dont'teven like MJ or know what a great entertainer and person he was. America grow up and repect the death of a great man.

[Janice Smith]

I think people have forgotten that Michael Jackson has paid millions in tax dollars. Rest in Peace Michael. You are Forever In Our Hearts Michael.

[MexiChick]

I'm sure that this influx of people from all over the WORLD will be a shot in the economic arm of downtown LA business. I'm sure that there are t-shirt vendors feverishly finishing up t-shirts as I type for tonight and tomorrow. There is a buck to be made people! Go cash in! Thank you MJ for the music and the business!

[Joy]

Although it goes without saying that the City of Los Angeles is in need of money that should go to schools and public safety, to hope that a nuclear bomb is dropped on Staples is moronic.

[catlipz]

Mrs. Small - better you teach your kids some grammar and spelling since you can't seem to do either. Michael Jackson should be at the bottom of the learning curve.

[Norwegian]

They bearded guy to the left on the front page is actually a famous Norwegian comedian, Espen Eckbo (http://images.google.com/images?q=espen%20eckbo). He is a big fan of Michael Jackson, and he recently went to the US hoping he'd get a ticket for Jackson's memorial - which he got :).

[Janice Smith]

Michael Jackson has paid millions in taxes. I think the City of Los Angeles, the county, the state, and the federal government will be receiving even more money. Rest In Peace Michael. You are Forever In Our Hearts

[Khaza]

Sick, sick people. Paying money and being happy for going to a funeral. I can't understand it.

[Myriam]

For all the whiners who complain about their tax money being spent on this event but support the troops maybe you should be asking why we are spending billions of dollars on a pointless war that is not benefiting anyone. Michael Jackson was a great artist and a great person...he was 400 million dollars in debt yes but he also spent way more than that in charities of all kind when he was alive and that money helped a lot of needy people so can't you put a bill out of your pocket to take 1 single day to honor his memory?
I won't even take time to respond the child molestation critics as obviously some people don't know their facts!

[Rolf Olav Hanssen]

I thought that it was only US citicen that could get ticket here:
thise two person on frontpage on LAtimes showing the tickes from a carwindow is norwegian citicen.

This is fun. Picked out of 1.7 million.

[dodger tony]

I believe that the Mayor is in Africa. Where is Arnold? What about all the cats and dogs who are going to be killed because the county and city have no money to feed and protect them? What about....etc. etc. etc.

Mike Davis was right, and I don't mean the LA Dodger who walked before Gibson's smash.

[Nicki]

I think that this event will actually generate a lot of income for the local business. In addition, think what you will, MJ was a legend that died. This is a once in a lifetime event. Whatever you may think of MJ, this will be a global event. All eyes will be on your city tomorrow. That can't be a bad thing. RIP MJ. I wish I could have gotten a ticket!!! I would have flown in no questions asked.

[Abeshaw Negn]

Through his phenomenal music and global appeal, Michael Jackson presented the best of the United states of America to the rest of the world. He was the most brilliant cultural ambassador that USA could ever get.

Michael Jackson was the ultimate humanitarian who cared for the entire world and for every human being in it. He showed much care for sick children, the poor, and the underprivileged and brought joy and relief to them through his humanitarian deeds.

Although the media and some ruthless people tried to ruin him and his shining name, Michael Jackson will be remembered very dearly by billions around the world. His good name and immortal music will live forever. God bless his soul and give strength to his family and to the billions of adoring fans he has around the world.

We love you, Michael Jackson. No one will take your Number 1 place in the entertainment world. You shall remain the king of all music forever.

[People are horrible]

It's disgusting what people will go through to make a quick buck. I attempted to submit my information for two hours on Friday because the server crashed. I'm a true fan and have been mourning the loss of this phenomenal artist and it truly sickens me that I won't be there while faux fans and scam artists were blessed with such luck. I really hope karma pays them a cruel visit.

Sincerely,
Disappointed Fan

[Eystein Orsnes]

so it cost's 5 million...

I know times are tough for many, but the worshippers will have left behind a lot more than 5 million before they leave LA. 5 million. What's that anyway? Like three dime per citizen of LA!! Get a perspective people and pay your taxes.

And ivy? If you live in Germany? Why the hell did you apply for a ticket?!! The memorial is tomorrow you moron, two tickets wasted@!

PS: Steinjo og Eckbo jo, xP... Nok et bevis på at Norge RULER heheh!!!

[DEEDUB67]

I just think it could have been a better way to get the tickets to the fans and not family. I have a feeling every relative of the Jackson Family will be in attendence.

[wow]

Kristy is as bad as Mrs. Small.

[Jimmy SS]

Hello I would love to attend, I am a huge Michael Jackson fan, I live near Dodger Stadium and could pick up the tickets by 6 tonight. If anyone won a ticket and can't make it I would be very grateful to receive it and you could rest assured that your ticket is going to a true Michael Jackson fan who is going to attend. My e mail address is jimmyss1@gmail.com

[ME4ME]

I know I probably could have gotten more, but I sold mine for $500. Darn it, I should have held out for at least $1,000.

[KB]

It was a scam, ity was not fair it was not a fair lottery 1.6 million, Scalpers got em and are selling them and somoe people are deserving such others not, and I think it was fixed and should be invesgtigated.

[Joseph C.]

did you know they have a 32 dvd collection with all his concerts and music videos along with some special performances available?? a friend of mine got his from http://www.ultimatemichael.com it's a really amazing collection.

[brenda]

can't believe it i was sent an email at 2:20 pm that I won tickets. i didn't check it until i got home from work around 7pm and there is no way i could've made it. i had no internet access at work. don't understand why i was emailed so late:( if you're working on monday there is no way you can make it.. i was expecting an email sunday like they had announced and was checkng my email all day sunday. didn't even know it was extended.. so bummed:(((

[Jason JAWz]

I just flew in from Dallas to pay my respects (and yes I got my tickets via the lottery) So if your gonna hate then hate but to see all your lame comments on here really ticks me off,suck it up, tax pot or somthing, Or wait here's an idea elect a REAL politician as gov. And not an uneducated, non US, Action Movie Actor. Are you serious? Ca. is a joke,that's what you get for living in your" better than everybody else" bubble after reading this crap I will make sure not to purchase anything that requires me to pay a state tax! And to think I came here (to this blog) to find another person to share my extra ticket with.I will look else where.JW

[yvonne caldera]

I couldn't make it on time to pick up mt tickets by 6:00 pm. is that true that the El Rey Theatre will issued them there. I still have my Voucher's need my Wristbands, someone get back to me please. calderayvonne@yahoo.com

[KTGu]

Haha omg, that's crazy that the norwegian guys won those tickets. Eckbo and Stenjo are famous, and Stenjo had completed Michael Jackson Biography (or something) the day he died. And he was also going to make a music video on world trade centre the day it collapsed, but something came in the way... lucky guy yeah... :)