More than 1.2 million seek 17,500 tickets to Michael Jackson memorial
More than 1.2 million people have registered to attend Michael Jackson's memorial service Tuesday at Staples Center, according to a Jackson family representative. [Updated 8:37 a.m.: The number has risen to 1.6 million.]
A total of 17,500 free tickets will be distributed to people selected at random from among those who register by 6 p.m. today at www.staplescenter.com.
So many people tried to register for the lottery that the website's server briefly crashed Friday morning as the ticketing process was announced. More than 500,000 people had registered for the lottery by Friday evening, a spokesperson for the Jackson family said.
Seeking to discourage massive throngs, officials said that there would be no funeral procession and that no one would be allowed inside a large area around Staples Center unless they had a ticket and a wristband, a media credential or could prove they live or work there.
-- Maria Elena Fernandez
I grew up in Indiana in the 60's and 70's the jackson five group was my idols. I feel like I have really losted a family member, that's how dear Michael Jackson is too me. I will really miss his presents on this earth. I understand the deep hole in the heart of all the Jackson Family, from the loss of Michael. I will always celebrate his life and music. A true JACKSON FIVE fan...
Posted by: Deborah Tyson | July 04, 2009 at 01:46 PM
I am from Spain and I am ready to cross the atlantic to share this ceremony if I was lucky enough and I got one ticket for the staples center. But the point is that nobody who is not a resident in US can share it. Is`nt it so unfair to us? Why? We do love him and we were next to him always. I wish someone to explain this. I love Michael , he gave me so much...He is in my heart .HE DESERVES A MASSIVE GOOD BYE, HE IS THE ONE WHO GAVE SO MUCH
Posted by: olga yrazu | July 04, 2009 at 01:50 PM
I grew up with the Jackson 5 have loved the music since. im almost 50 and still have off the wall album, and will cherish it always.God bless you and yours.From my family to yours.
Posted by: christina gonzales | July 04, 2009 at 03:51 PM
i loved him i still do i am originally from fiji islands all i wanted is to pay my last respect but only fortunate ones got to go see him. All i can say i wish i could have gone with my little girl. We will always love you Michael. You are the best and always will in our hearts
Posted by: simmi murtaza | July 04, 2009 at 05:16 PM
I just want to let you all know because of Michael's death i have become more depressed than anything. From the Islands of Fiji we all loved him. Greatest performer ever and loved by so many that it breaks our hearts indeed so much. We were the almost first ones to migrate from the Fiji Islands to California where we first learnt about Michael so much. His music dance and songs every move touched us deeply. I really wished that i could pay my last respect to Michael with my little daughter who would have been extremely happy but unfortunately i am not financially stable. Although if i had the chance i would so that i can tell my family and everyone from the Islands i had the chance to say goodbye. Your love will stay in our hearts forever Michael. We Love You.
Posted by: simmi murtaza | July 04, 2009 at 05:32 PM
michael, we will miss you. im 37 and i grew up with you. you were a big part of my childhood. I have 3 girls who age from 17, 4, 2. and when they hear your music they just love dance to it.Thank you so much for all you given me. My family and I will forever be playing your songs. sincerely DANA K
Posted by: DANA KITCHEL | July 04, 2009 at 06:46 PM
LAPD are not smart enough to figure this out? Where do they think fans are gonna go? They're gonna create a disaster by attempting to keep people away from the Staples Center. THEY'RE COMING ANYWAY idiots.
Posted by: Jay T | July 04, 2009 at 07:12 PM
I just got back from out of town and heard about the Michael's Memorial .I would like to try to get tickets ? Thanks for your time have a nice 4 of July. Thanks Dale Jackson...
Posted by: DALE A. JACKSON | July 04, 2009 at 09:13 PM
Hii guys, well represent he older generation. Yes we love MJ too, and I think that the family could may be (for once) NOT MAKE money ???, and to let the fans say "good beye" to Michael. How about offering the tickets for free, I guess many fans do not have so much money, and love MJ, well its sad to see...how this is handled. Well Michael lives on like ELVIS, (a great musician)
Mark F
Posted by: Mark F. Langenauer | July 05, 2009 at 07:15 AM