Stage Set For Jackson Public Memorial
July 6 2009, Published 1:00 p.m. ET
Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, Gladys Knight, and Sean Combs are just some of the superstars expected to attend the all-star public memorial to the late King Of Pop, Michael Jackson.
Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, and Motown legend Berry Gordy are among those expected to speak at the ceremony, which will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Debbie Rowe To Attend Jackson Memorial Service
Fans who were lucky enough to snag a spot at Tuesday’s memorial are being allowed to pick up wristbands Monday at Dodgers’ Stadium. The wristbands will allow them access to the event.
1.6 million Jackson fans, who had registered for the opportunity to attend the ceremony, learned Sunday via email if they are among the fortunate few to get tickets. Only 8,750 randomly selected individuals were chosen for a pair of tickets to the service at the Staples Center or to be part of the live televised feed across the street at the Nokia Theater.
Jackson To Be Buried In “Resting Place To The Stars”
People from around the world are flying into Los Angeles for Tuesday’s memorial. Extra police will be on hand to control the crowd, and authorities are telling people not to show up at the Staples Center without a ticket. According to Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell, “The closest you’ll get is the outside of the security perimeter.” Streets surrounding the Staples Center will be closed off to the public.
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To make the Jackson memorial service even more chaotic – the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey plan to continue their tradition of marching their elephants into town at 3:30 a.m. Tuesday before their five-day performance at Staples Center. The elephants are planned to march from Union Station to Staples Center, which is estimated to take over two hours, leaving open the possibility that the elephant march could run into the crush of Jackson fans.
Jackson’s memorial service is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. PDT.