Michael Jackson memorial service July 7.

People who do not have tickets to Michael Jackson's July 7 Memorial Service are being warned to stay away. Still, tens of thousands of people (most without tickets) are expect to gather somewhere near the Staples Center just to say they were at this historic event.

Tickets for the "free" Michael Jackson Memorial Service are available via lottery. Organizers and representatives for the Jackson family have confirmed memorial services for Michael Jackson will take place Tuesday (July 7) inside the Staples Center. Fans will be able to attend if the win the lottery for free tickets. Registration is happening at StaplesCenter.com beginning Friday morning. It will run until Saturday evening at 6 p.m. On Sunday winning fans will be notified and receive information on how to pick up tickets on Monday.

The registration process is elaborate and has already caused the site to crash, but the Jackson family insisted on a process that was democratic and fair, taking into consideration the many fans expected to arrive in Los Angeles for the memorial. In a written statement, they said,

"It was our wish to allow as many of Michael's fans to be a part of the memorial, and we wish to thank everyone for their support and understanding at this difficult time."

Only 17,500 tickets will be given away, with 11,000 entrants able to go inside the arena and the remaining 6,500 ushered just across the street to the Nokia Theater where the proceedings will be simulcast. There are no guarantees for fans who register online and only 8,750 people will be selected randomly by a computer-generated program. Each selected fan will receive two tickets and two wristbands.

No further details regarding the service were announced. At a press conference held outside of the Staples Center, Jackson family representative Ken Sunshine said the plans are still being developed. Sunshine said he hopes the ticket process is handed with "dignity" and that tickets not be resold or counterfeited.

With the family keeping thousands of tickets for themselves, I have no doubt that Joe Jackson will be busy creating a new business venture. Michael's father has always been looking for ways to exploit his famous children, and I don't think he will miss this opportunity. One more Michael Jackson show for him to make a buck.

At least we've finally got a day to honor the great gifts that Michael Jackson gave us. May each of us recognize that we have all come here to find and give our gifts just as Michael did so publicly.

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