This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Family to invite 17,500 fans to Michael Jackson memorial
Family, friends, and 17,500 fans will attend Tuesday morning’s memorial for pop singer Michael Jackson.
The Jackson family and Staples Center today outlined plans to distribute free tickets to fans for the event. AEG, which had been the promoter for Jackson’s concert series in London, has set up a computer program to choose which fans get to attend the memorial in person.
Staples Center manager Michael Roth says fans that want to attend the Jackson memorial can go online now at StaplesCenter.com.
Michael Roth: "They will have a registration period that will go until 6 o’clock, Saturday night, July 4th. After that, the program will randomly select the names who will then be contacted by e-mail on Sunday."
Those people will get instructions on how to pick up a pair of tickets and a wristband at Staples Center on Monday. About 6,500 fans will get tickets to watch a closed-circuit TV feed of the memorial at the Nokia Theater.
Security will be tight for several blocks around Staples Center before and during the memorial service. The LAPD won't let anyone without a ticket come near the Staples Center and L.A. Live area in downtown Los Angeles. City councilwoman Jan Perry says if you don't have a ticket, stay home.
Jan Perry: "Without a ticket, your very best option will be for viewing and experiencing the service of the life of this extraordinary individual from your home.'
Sponsored message
Tickets are available at StaplesCenter.com. You have until 6 p.m. tomorrow to register your luck on two tickets and two wristbands for the event. The memorial will be aired live on radio, TV, and on the Internet. KPCC will broadcast the event live.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
