Drawing to determine attendees for Michael Jackson memorial
Organizers of Michael Jackson's memorial service at Staples Center said today they will give away 17,500 tickets to the event and will randomly draw names from those who sign up online to determine who gets to attend.
The service will be live-streamed on television and on the Internet, and there will be no funeral procession, organizers said at a news conference this morning at Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.
Organizers will draw 8,750 names, and those people will receive two tickets each and wristbands on Monday. A total of 11,000 tickets will be for seats at Staples Center and 6,500 for seats at Nokia Theatre, where the live feed will be broadcast.
People can register for the drawing at Staplescenter.com.
No tickets will be sold to the event, organizers said.
City Councilwoman Jan Perry said fans would be better off staying home and watching the event on television.
"I want to stress to people who are thinking about coming, you might want to consider watching this from the comfort of your home," she said at the news conference.
No details were released on the content of the memorial service, but Jackson's brother Jermaine Jackson told CNN that it would include tributes from celebrities in the music industry.
Those whose names are drawn will be notified between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Sunday and given the location where they should pick up their tickets Monday.
"There will be no distribution of tickets at Staples Center and L.A. Live," said Tim Leiweke, president and chief executive officer of AEG, the company that owns and operates Staples Center and was producing Jackson's comeback concerts.
Los Angeles Police Department Asst. Chief Earl Paysinger said, "You must have a ticket to be admitted to the venue. There's no way to get to this venue if you don't have a ticket."
Officials said the services will not be shown on any of the large screens at L.A. Live, the entertainment complex that houses Staples Center and the Nokia Theatre.
Paysinger said those without proper security identification or tickets will not be allowed within the following boundaries during the event: Flower Street to the east, Olympic Boulevard on the north, Pico Boulevard to the south and Blaine Street to the west, which is one street west of the Harbor Freeway.
Ken Sunshine, a spokesman for the Jackson family, and Leiweke emphasized that they do not want anyone to try to scalp tickets.
"Those who would take advantage of this, shame on them," Leiweke said.
-- Cara Mia DiMassa
Photo: A note taped to a lectern details the plans for distributing tickets to fans for Michael Jackson's public memorial. Credit: Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times
I think the people who have bought tickets to see Michael's performance should be admitted. I know if I had tickets to see him perform, I would definitely think that ticket should qualify me to attend his memorial. Rest In Piece Michael. I hope people have realized now, how mean and cruel they were to an extraordinarily kind and caring human being. Michael never hurt anyone...all he wanted to do was help.
Posted by: Heidi | July 03, 2009 at 02:23 PM
What a slap in the face to Michael Jackson's fans - only Americans can attend Jackson's memorial? What will they say to the thousands of loyal supporters who have already flown into LA to offer vigil to their idol? Will they be turned away while those who prosecuted him in court, and turned their backs on him in his darkest hours are allowed in?
Posted by: Eric | July 03, 2009 at 02:26 PM
To Tim Leiweke:
I think you and AEG's greed played an undeniable role in MJ's talking on this tour and killing himself trying to train for it. For you to now discourage the obvious notion to sell the tickets to this once in a lifetime event in the Mecca of ticket scalping to the many who will be willing to buy them, is naive and hypocritical to put it politely, I predict some of those tickets go for thousands.
Posted by: William Steinberg | July 03, 2009 at 02:47 PM
I think that the way they're treating Michael Jackson's fans is completely unfair. How can only 17, 500 Michael Jackson's fans have the honor to pay a last tribute to him properly? Millions of fans are traveling from around the world to pay tribute to the King of Pop, and now to their disappointment they won't even have right to a funeral procession. I always thought they would use Princess Diana's funeral as a model to organize Michael Jackson's funeral-- I can't believe they're asking us to not even think about getting near the Staples Theater, otherwise we may get arrested-- that's so sad. How can you ask someone who traveled from Australia or Japan to watch the memorial from the comfort of his home. That person would rather have stayed in his country...Please reconsider your plans!!!
Posted by: James Lareche | July 03, 2009 at 02:50 PM
it would wonderfull to attend and experince all off MJ true fans priceless
Posted by: little italy | July 03, 2009 at 03:03 PM
God bless you Michael Jackson, a light of profound proportions has gone out in the world with your passing. Thank you for all the enjoyment you gave to people with your incredible song and dance and humanitarian efforts. I hope those people who accused you sleep well now knowing they contributed to your passing. I hope they are ashamed of their wicked lust for money and fame. My eyes fill with tears everytime I think you have left us. How could losing you happen. Rest in peace.
Posted by: Julie of Australia | July 03, 2009 at 03:27 PM
michael- God only knows how much i love you but only you could have such complicated send off proceedings!
im heartbroken and devastated at everything thats happened the last week but all i hope for now is that your children are left to grow up in private and that people realize that you are a good soul and stop their sensationalist lies
love you MJ xoxox
Posted by: rachael | July 03, 2009 at 03:34 PM
Michael,
What can i say... I will always have with the great memories that your music installed in me. So many parties, dances, and the first girlfriend. Thank You, for the talent and music.
Posted by: Jeff S. | July 03, 2009 at 04:54 PM
We will be deeply missed Micheal Jackson......
Posted by: kenneth garica | July 03, 2009 at 06:34 PM
Who is gonna pay for this memorial service? Not the LA tax payers I hope!
Posted by: steve rodriguez | July 03, 2009 at 06:44 PM
The biggest factor is likely the budget deficit of the State of California and cost to the City of Los Angeles of hosting the millions of us who wish to be there.
As a way of honoring him, we who love Michael Jackson might want to consider staying home and honoring his membory privately, AND donating what we would have spent travelling to LA to help pay off part of his debt that he left behind.
Posted by: KS | July 03, 2009 at 06:55 PM
Hey.....WHO"S PAYING FOR ALL THE POLICE, SECURITY, TRANSIT DETOURS, ETC?????
I think it's time our Mayor or Governor addressed this issue ! ! ! ! ! ! !
You know, considering we live in a state that just fired TEACHERS because of lack of funds......
Posted by: Mongo | July 03, 2009 at 07:09 PM
Okay. Michael Jackson was the king of rock, but he became very odd in the past 20 years! Most of the people who will be in attendance are looking for their own 15 minutes of basking in the glory of another's fame.
Posted by: margaret | July 03, 2009 at 07:37 PM
The Staples center is not nearly big enough for all of the fans that want to attend Michael Jackson's memorial.
If the Lakers can have a parade that ends up in the Coliseum, why can't Michael?
I think we should peacefully gather at the La Coliseum to celebrate the life and music of Michael.
The Coliseum is located at 3939 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90037.
Posted by: Jakob | July 03, 2009 at 07:53 PM
I agree with Heidi. They should draw names only from the people who already holding tickets to go see him perform "This is It" in London. I am sure there would be plenty of people willing to go to the memorial from that grouping.
I also cannot believe they would not allow everyone willing to pay their last respects in to see him. Surely in this vast world there could be a better option, maybe hold it somewhere else with more capacity for more people.
Posted by: Karen | July 03, 2009 at 08:38 PM
My point is that, the same system that failed and betrayed him on his life, is betrying him again in his death by preventing millions of fans across the world to bid their last farewell to their idol, this angel. What is the matter with LA , the more tourist come to LA, the better it is for the so called state of california's "bankrupt economy".
Again, they are undermining him in death the same way they did while he was alive.
Sara, from Los Angeles
Posted by: Sara | July 03, 2009 at 08:40 PM
It is sad that it all comes down to business. He contributed so much to this world: His music, talent and good to various non-profit organizations. He deserves a memorial of a king. I'm heart broken for all of those fans who wish to say good bye.
I wish there was a procession and a real "public" memorial for him. He deserves it. But, most of all his fans deserve a last chance to say good bye.
He was a great person in every aspect. I think we should not judge him no more. He was innocent and he is the only one that knew what he went through as a child and in the allegations. May he rest in peace.
Te queremos!!!! Y nunca te olvidaremos.
Posted by: Yazmin | July 03, 2009 at 09:21 PM
DIOS BENDIGA LA FAMILIA HIJO Y AMISTADES DIOS LE DARA LA FUERZA PARA PASAR POR ESTE DOLOR YO PERDI MI MAMA 2 ANOS Y GRACIAS A DIOS NO ME HA ABANDONADO, IGUAL A USTEDES DIOS LOS GUIARA Y CUIDARA EN ESTOS MOMENTOS TAN DIFICILES Y LOS BENDICIRA SIEMPRE DE TODO CORAZON ESTARE REZANDO PARA QUE DIOS LES DE MUCHA FUERZA,DIOS LOS BENDIGA Y MI MAYOR PESAME HA TODOS UNA ADMIRADORA DE SU HIJO MICHAEL BLANCA QUIRINDONGO
Posted by: quirindongo blanca | July 03, 2009 at 09:26 PM
DIOS LOS BENDIGA Y LES DE LA FORTALEZA DEL MUNDO MUCHA FE EN DIOS EL NO NOS DEJA SOLOS CON CARINO Y AMOR MI MAYOR PESAME BLANCA QUIRINDONGO
Posted by: quirindongo blanca | July 03, 2009 at 09:29 PM
DIOS LOS BENDIGA HOY SIEMPRE EL NO NOS ABANDONA MUCHAFE EN DIOS
Posted by: quirindongo blanca | July 03, 2009 at 09:31 PM
DIOS LOS BENDIGA Y MUCHA FE EN DIOS QUE NO ESTAN SOLOS DIOS ESTA CON USTEDES Y EL MUNDO ENTERO
Posted by: quirindongo blanca | July 03, 2009 at 09:38 PM
DIOS LOS BENDIGA EN ESOS MOMENTOS PERO FE EN DIOS QUE NO ESTAN SOLOS DIOS ESTS CON USTEDES Y EL MUNDO ENTERO
Posted by: quirindongo blanca | July 03, 2009 at 09:42 PM
I honestly feel heart broken...it all comes down to business. Who pays for what? I feel sad that the authorities are not allowing a procession and a real "public" viewing. It seems to me that people are trying to use Micheal Jackson's funeral and viewing as a source of income. Beyond his popularity...he is a person and he deserves more that this.
I understand our economy is poor, but if there is a parade for the Lakers or any other events, why can't Micheal Jackson's fan have a last chance to say good bye. Why should he and his fans be confined to a close door, and only a few fans have the privilige to say to say good bye.
He has left a legacy. He changed the music world. I mean...there will never be a Micheal Jackson again. Never...This is history. His name will be part of history. Why can we change and do everything in our power for one day...this is the last chance to pay an appropriate tribute to him.
He deserves a king's funeral and procession. His fans and the world deserve to say good bye.
Please reconsider...All I wish for his for fans all over the world, young and old is to say good bye. To say thank you.
And to let him rest in peace.
Posted by: Yazmin | July 03, 2009 at 09:46 PM
i did
Posted by: quirindongo blanca | July 03, 2009 at 09:50 PM
I think this is absolutely unfair!! The "little" people of the WORLD have just as much right to be apart of this as the celebrities do. We're the ones who stood by him, shed tears for him, continued buying his albums & put him on his throne. We should be the ones who see him laid to rest. If the "world" wants to line the streets to show their love - then so be it. Ms Jan Perry is heartless to say watch it from home!! What's wrong with her - does she not know that this would be the most outpouring of individuals in history for "ANY" event - even larger than Princess Di or does she not want it to be? Over a million people would asscend on LA - & that's a good thing because of all the horrible snickering you people did to him. He would want & deserves to have the type of people he really loved to be with him at his end of time. Oh & by the way - I'm white, so don't think it's a "black" thing ~ ~ Ms Perry.
AJ from TEXAS
Posted by: AJ | July 03, 2009 at 10:17 PM
As a true Michael Jackson fan..I believe we demand that we can atleast see his body in the casket even in the telivision. Why are they witholding this privilege to us. I feel since we love him that much and it was us who supported him all throughout..we should have that privilege. A funeral procession will be wise..I dont think he like it this way.
Posted by: jane arzadon | July 03, 2009 at 10:39 PM
Blessed be the one who came into this world and gave so much of his talent for 'all' to love & cherish.
I hope that his artistic genius will be remembered on the same scope as Elvis Presley, if not more.
And let us not forget the children he leaves behind. Prey for them! Despite what folks opinion may have been of Michael, he was still a loving father. A dad! Who leaves behind 3 children!
There will always be only one Michael Jackson! Let us not mourn in his death, but celebrate his ‘LIFE’ contribution to the world as one of the greatest entertainers who has ever lived!!!!
May you R.I.P Michael Jackson.
Posted by: Sammy | July 03, 2009 at 10:47 PM
The Jackson family needs to know that millions of people supported Michael when he was alive and these same millions will continue supporting the Jackson Family Trust Fund for decades so it is utterly unfair for Michael's fans to be asked not to participate in a memorial. No procession? Only 17,500 tickets? Why not sell tickets for the Memorial Coliseum to cover police and emergency services? The Jackson's need to remember that their son/brother shared his gift with the world and their financial security is now dependent on those same millions.
Posted by: Gloria | July 03, 2009 at 11:21 PM
I love him!!!!!!
Many people on the largest STD dating site Positivefish. com said that Michael Jackson donated at least $10,000,000 to
the people with HIV in Africa.
Posted by: stdslove | July 04, 2009 at 01:28 AM
I REALLY WANT THIS TICKET AND I AM A GREAT FAN OF MICHAEL JACKSON!
Posted by: John Chirico | July 04, 2009 at 03:43 PM
i would like to offer my condolences in person
Posted by: John Chirico | July 04, 2009 at 03:44 PM
MICHAEL JACKSON R.I.P.!
Posted by: John Chirico | July 04, 2009 at 03:45 PM
MICHAEL MICHAEL MICHAEL MICHAEL MICHAEL MICHAEL MICHAEL MICHAEL MICHAEL MICHAEL MICHAEL MICHAEL JACKSON JACKSON JACKSON JACKSON JACKSON JACKSON JACKSON JACKSON JACKSON JACKSON!
Posted by: John Chirico | July 04, 2009 at 03:47 PM
michael jackson is the king of pop
Posted by: John Chirico | July 04, 2009 at 03:47 PM
michael jackson
Posted by: John Chirico | July 04, 2009 at 03:48 PM