Organizers to give away 17,500 tickets to Michael Jackson memorial [Updated]
[Updated at 10:45 a.m.: People whose names are drawn for the tickets will be notified between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday and given the location where they should go to pick up their tickets.
"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 be live-streamed on the Internet and will not be shown on any of the large screens at L.A. Live. Those without proper security identification or tickets will not be allowed within the following boundaries: 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.]
Organizers of Michael Jackson's Tuesday memorial service said today that they will give away 17,500 tickets and will randomly draw names from people who register for the service to determine who will attend. The event will be live-streamed on television and on the Internet, and there will be no funeral procession.
Organizers will draw 8,750 names, and those people will receive two tickets each and wristbands on Monday. People can register for the drawing at Staplescenter.com.
No tickets will be sold to the event, organizers said at a news conference this morning at Staples Center.
City Councilwoman Jan Perry told reporters that fans would be better off staying home and watching the proceedings on television.
No details were released on what the memorial service will entail.
[Updated at 12:03 p.m.: In an earlier version of this post, Tim Leiweke's name was misspelled as Lieweke.]
-- Cara Mia DiMassa
Photo: A note taped to a lectern details the plans for distributing tickets to fans for Michael Jackson's memorial. Credit: Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times
it is outrageous if Jan Perry thinks this PRIVATE person memorial service should be paid for out of LAPD budget. Is she crazy? They can find money for a Laker parade, find money for all the illegal immigrant marches and events and since LAPD's budget has been cut already she thinks they should pay is ridiculous. I strong suggest everyone call or contact her office to say NO. AEG took out a $17 million insurance on Michael Jackson so why aren't they paying.
Jan Perry Office
213)-473-7009
councilmember.perry@lacity.org,
Posted by: Maria | July 03, 2009 at 10:54 AM
Staples Center website server was done seconds after the news was announced on TV.
Currently next to impossible to finalize the registration process.
Poor planning on the part of AEG and Staples center.
Next time use Mac computers they don't go down.
Jim Ricks
Posted by: jim ricks | July 03, 2009 at 10:59 AM
How irresponsible of the City of Los Angeles to allow this spectacle during a busy work week. Where is the leadership in the city? Why didn't the mayor and the city council tell the Jackson family and the rest of the Michael Jackson circus of freaks and hangers-on "No! You cannot bring downtown LA to a halt!" The vapid, empty suit mayor probably thinks this will be another good opportunity to get his mug on TV.
Posted by: Adam Vant | July 03, 2009 at 11:01 AM
i really want to be there for michael jackson memorial. He is a legend and he will always be remembered.
Posted by: crystal mohamed | July 03, 2009 at 11:01 AM
"Those who would take advantage of this shame on them," Lieweke said."
I hope Joe Jackson takes note.
Posted by: JP | July 03, 2009 at 11:05 AM
michael i will miss u
Posted by: olive lyttle | July 03, 2009 at 11:05 AM
My hero Michael J i love you. I would love to have tickets to say good buy to the one who gave so much light to our children to MICHAEL JACKSON
Posted by: JANE SABILLON | July 03, 2009 at 11:09 AM
So how many tickets are up for registration - 17,500 or 8,750?
Posted by: venice | July 03, 2009 at 11:14 AM
The Staples Center website does not work. I tried entering the drawing, but the Staples Center website said: "SERVICE UNAVAILABLE". What a JOKE!
Posted by: dpb | July 03, 2009 at 11:15 AM
I think its very disheartening that these tickets are only available for US residents only....MJ was world renound and I personally feel as though if Staples Center is going to give tickets away the registration should be available to everyone equally. That was what MJ was about...EQUALITY.
Posted by: alicia Johnson | July 03, 2009 at 11:18 AM
Ich bin ein grosser Michael Fan und komme aus der Schweiz. Gerne würde ich von Michael in Los Angeles persönlich Abschied nehmen.
Best Regards Markus Beutler
Posted by: Beutler Markus | July 03, 2009 at 11:22 AM
2 tickets
Posted by: Dana D. Straub | July 03, 2009 at 11:22 AM
how to get ticket for staple center tribute
Posted by: hank jayroe | July 03, 2009 at 11:31 AM
tragic loss
Posted by: lynn bishop | July 03, 2009 at 11:38 AM
PLEASE PICK SO I CAN WATCH MICHAEL JACKSON..THANK YOU
Posted by: EDITH FRANCISCO | July 03, 2009 at 11:41 AM
WE WILL MISS YOU IDOL!!!
Posted by: ALLAN FRANCISCO | July 03, 2009 at 11:43 AM
i really want to be at the michael jackson memorial. He is my idol.
Posted by: jennifer mohamed | July 03, 2009 at 11:51 AM
May Michael rest in peace,and I would like to thank him for leaving me his incredible music,brought joy and massive happiness during my teenage days.I adore you more today,you were also a human being who had his ups and downs but when it comes to music you were always up,up there,top of the world.
Thank you Michael....
Posted by: Ms.Caroline Bautista | July 03, 2009 at 11:53 AM
thank you
Posted by: barbara nappi | July 03, 2009 at 12:09 PM
Getting to the staples center site is easy and registering for tickets is simple. This is not limited to LA residents, anybody can register, (except if your in RI. NY, and one other state).
Unfortunately there is this little thing call WORK that I need to be at on Tuesday, so I won't bother registering.
Make sure u read the T&C's of the contract before you register.
I agree with residents who post why we, joe taxpayer, is paying the price on this? Is LAPD going to get paid with IOU's?
This is just such a narcasistic Memorial. But I guess that is how the man lived his life, and so why would his death, (nothing seen since the days of Rome) be any different?
I wish the news and this politicians and people of this country would get back to the business of running themselves/itself becasue all this "reality" entertainment & news is just like Dipravan for the masses. This "entertainment" has become the world's obsessive / compullsive disorder X 3 billion.
Sad but true.
Posted by: I Loved Billy Mays! | July 03, 2009 at 12:35 PM
Michael has been a citizen, taxpayer and humanitarian in California for years. Why shouldn't he have a funeral here with police protection? It will be irresponsible for them not to. How you impact people in life, shows up at your memorial. So, if you don’t like the circus, leave the arena.
Posted by: matthew | July 03, 2009 at 12:42 PM
White or black Michael Jackson?
Fat or thin Elvis?
American and Mexican Antonio Villaraigosa?
Posted by: Poll Question | July 03, 2009 at 01:15 PM
Not only a creative genius, but a great humanitarian, long before it was "fashionable". Rest now Michael. I love you.
Posted by: Viki Day | July 03, 2009 at 01:17 PM
THE GUYS DEAD. GET OVER IT.
Posted by: ME | July 03, 2009 at 01:19 PM
Im going to miss michael Jackson alot i always think of him for how he was he was idol the only singer i like i was crying when he died i was so sad of his death i cant belive it Im always going to remember him I miss u michael Jackson the King of pop the awsomest of all i never had a chance to met him but i wish i could have meet him i love his singing and the way he talks its so cute Its kool how he dances espically the moon walk I miss you Michael Jackson
Posted by: Alondra | July 03, 2009 at 01:32 PM
thank you michael, how you've touch my soul and inspired me to be a better artist by the sharing your gifts. you will always be in my heart, as a rememberance, to give and share my best through dance and movement and change the world by "looking in the mirror"...i thank you for "being"...I will miss your greatness...tho you continue to propel my motivation to make a difference...:)
Posted by: lisa from vegas | July 03, 2009 at 01:38 PM
Pay me to go.
If you want my body for this PR campaign that will only benefit the record companies and their vault full of his unpublished music my rate is 100 per hour and a nausea bag should the whole thing make me sick.
Posted by: Mark | July 03, 2009 at 01:41 PM
Michael donde te encuentres quiero desearte lo mejor y darte las gracias por los momentos que me hicistes pasar con tu musica tus videos esa alegria y emocion que trasmitias era sensasional y que siempre la sentiremos por siempre por que asi seras rrecordado como el rey de la musica pop, espero que te encuentres en un lugar bello , por siempre estaras en nuestros corazones .
Mauricio Ivan Gonzalez
Posted by: Mauricio Gonzalez | July 03, 2009 at 01:48 PM
Which goes to show that even in death he's looked opon just as a just a iconic figure. Folks, a human being died,he went to meet his maker, at this point its about where he stood spiritually, does anyone care about that? Please Lets for once pay respected to a human being not an idol!!!!
Posted by: Nelson L. | July 03, 2009 at 02:07 PM
Great...the mayor and police chief tell people of L.A. just to stay home, and act responsible and with dignity. I'm pretty sure those were the same exact word they said a month ago before the Lakers won the Finals and thugs looted and pilaged ONCE AGAIN!
Posted by: Todd | July 03, 2009 at 02:29 PM
MICHAEL JACKSON...YOUR LEGACY LIVE ON FOREVER!!! R.I.P. YOU WILL BE ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS LOVE FROM YOUR FAN!!!!:
Posted by: maritza torres | July 03, 2009 at 03:28 PM
MICHAEL JACKSON!! REST IN PEACE YOUR MUSIC LIVE FOR EVER!!!!!! LOVE END PEACE FOR IN HEAVEN!!
Posted by: arbelio diaz hernandez | July 03, 2009 at 03:32 PM
MICHAEL JACKSON...YOUR LEGACY LIVE ON FOREVER!!! R.I.P. YOU WILL BE ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS LOVE FROM YOUR FAN!!!!:(:(:(
Posted by: chloe carrion | July 03, 2009 at 03:35 PM
michael jackson has pass away stop about all the presription drugs that has been found, stop all the ugly comments, respect what the children and his family are going threw.
they do not need to hear any more negatuve things about him
let him rest in peace. guys think about the childen !
jackie lopez
Posted by: jackie | July 03, 2009 at 05:14 PM
you will be missed R.I.P in the Lord's bosom
Posted by: cheryl henry | July 03, 2009 at 05:17 PM
The lakers, who bring millions into LA, had the class to pay for their parade. This is a joke. I loved MJ, but the city should not spend a dime on this.
Posted by: zw | July 03, 2009 at 06:39 PM
Que Dios y la Virgen Maria se halla apeado de ti y estes con ellos cantando ya que tu tenias un corazon muy grande y jesucristo dijo el que sea como un nino tendra la gloria en el cielo y tu querias a los ninos y heras un nino que jugaba con los ninos que te rodeaban que viva Michael Jackson aqui en la tierra y el cielo
Posted by: Freddy | July 03, 2009 at 11:51 PM
Could the memorial organizers encourage those attending to bring food donations for area food banks -- a great tribute to Michael and help to those having to live on little more than dreams.
Tucker Respess
Posted by: Tucker Respess | July 04, 2009 at 06:29 AM
Radio stations and the Media should apologize for labeling Michael Jackson a, "Freak" and "Pedophile". We are all
"Freaks" in our own way> If you were to remove every celebrity in Hollywood who has had plastic surgery , there
would be no one left. I applaud the jurors who exonerated Michael Jackson....something to think about..."Where were the families of the "so called victims" during the trial , and when the verdict was read"???? Enough said , needed to get this off my chest.....May Michael Rest In Peace, The King of Pop Will Never Be Forgotton...He is a Legend...
Posted by: christa | July 05, 2009 at 09:31 AM