Michael Jackson Memorial Officially Announced

Per MTV News, representatives for the Jackson family confirmed reports that memorial services for the deceased pop star will occur Tuesday, July 7 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif.

MJ fans will be able to attend the service if, after registering for tickets at StaplesCenter.com, they are selected from a random lottery. Registration began this morning and will run through Saturday evening at 6 p.m.

Only a total of 17,500 tickets will be given away: 11,000 entrants will have inside-access to the arena, while the remaining 6,500 will be escorted to the Nokia Theater across the street to watch a simulcast of the service. There are no guarantees registered fans will even get tickets, as only 8,750 people will be selected randomly by computer. Each selected fan will be given two tickets and two wristbands.

At a press conference held today outside of the Staples Center, Ken Sunshine, a representative of the Jacksons, said specific plans for what will happen during the memorial are still being developed. He also said he hopes tickets will not be resold or counterfeited (which the wristbands are meant to prevent) and that the ticket process be handled with “dignity.”

Many Twitterers have already registered for a chance to receive tickets. Others expressed difficulty with the Web site or general unhappiness with the plans.

MsAwldat I am about to loose it. I just got registered for Tuesday’s Memorial service for the LATE GREAT MICHAEL JACKSON.

celebritysource Trying to get Michael Jackson memorial tickets but website must be jammed cause not going through http://staplescenter.com

nikkideevah Your registration for your chance to attend the Michael Jackson Public Memorial Service has been received. << wish me luck!!!!

MauraRoxanne Oh! Hey! I registered for the Michael Jackson Memorial on Tuesday at the Staples Center! Wish me luck! <33 #moonfruit

never2b4gotten FINNALLY GOT REGISTERD FOR THE MICHAEL JACKSON MEMORIAL ! But, not knowing if I will be one of the 17,500 people to attend is makeing me sad

Malindalh Finally got through and registered for my slim chance to be at Michael Jackson’s Public Memorial. Wish me luck! Anyone want to go with me?

kimlupe i just signed up for the lottery to go to the michael jackson memorial…that’s right, i said it.

ernestooo just signed up for my Michael Jackson Memorial service tickets wish me luck ill need it

FIFILARUE1 I just submitted my form for the Michael Jackson Memorial! I will be there in Full Costume to support! his Celebration! Cheers Fifi Larue!

jemarsz03 I’m not gonna lie, if I lived in LA, I would register for the drawing for tickets for Michael Jackson’s memorial service. Don’t judge me…

thepersian the BIG question: will Michael Jackson’s body be out for viewing at the Memorial Service on Tuesday?

gaeboi09 watching CNN and any updates on the memorial for Michael Jackson.

OhMeredith Just applied to go to Michael Jackson memorial service. Hope I get to go!!! http://myloc.me/7loX

LauraNic0le registered to watch the michael Jackson memorial

mikepitz unsuccessfully tried registering for michael jackson memorial at staples center

hisana i wonder if i can get ticckets for the michael jackson memorial. the staples center is like right next door. xD

lisadm Just signed up to get tickets to the Michael Jackson Memorial Service