LA officials scramble to accommodate horde of Michael Jackson fans at Tuesday memorial

September 8th, 2009 Prices for plots at the star-studded cemetery where MICHAEL JACKSON was buried last week (03Sep09) have soared, as fans scramble to secure themselves a place close to their idol. The King of Pop, who passed away in June (09), was finally interred at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California last Thursday in front of 200 of his closest friends and family.

July 7th, 2009 Jackson memorial ends with star's kids on stageLOS ANGELES — An emotional public memorial for Michael Jackson has concluded in Los Angeles. The ceremony attended by thousands in the downtown Staples Center and watched by millions around the world had a spiritual tone punctuated by performances and remembrances.

July 7th, 2009 LA sets up Web site for Jackson memorial donationsLOS ANGELES — Deficit-ridden Los Angeles is asking Michael Jackson fans to help pay the bill for police and other public servants needed for the entertainer's memorial service. A Web site was posted Tuesday seeking donations to cover the costs, estimated at between $1.5 million and $4 million, according to Matt Szabo, a spokesman for Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

July 7th, 2009 Jackson fans watch memorial outside NeverlandLOS OLIVOS, Calif. — The skies were brilliant blue, the breezes gentle and the television reception excellent, which was good news for dozens of fans outside Neverland Ranch who huddled around a wide-screen TV on Tuesday to watch Michael Jackson's memorial service.

July 7th, 2009 Elephants lumber to Staples before Jackson serviceLOS ANGELES — Hours before a public memorial for Michael Jackson, a herd of elephants were on the march through downtown Los Angeles in a fitting start to a circus-like day. Eleven Asian elephants and seven horses from the Ringling Bros.

July 7th, 2009 Rock hall plans Jackson candlelight vigilCLEVELAND — Hours after the memorial service in Los Angeles, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland will honor Michael Jackson with a candlelight vigil. The event scheduled for Tuesday night will include remarks from a local church pastor and from Terry Stewart, president and CEO of the rock hall and museum.

July 7th, 2009 Fans gather outside Jackson memorial siteLOS ANGELES — Michael Jackson fans have come from near and far to say goodbye to their pop music hero, some traveling from across the U.S. and Europe for his public memorial in Los Angeles.

July 6th, 2009 LONDON - A total of 8,750 Michael Jackson fans have been picked up in a random draw to receive tickets to attend the late King of Pop's memorial service in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The selected fans will each receive two tickets for ceremony at the Staples Center.

July 3rd, 2009 LOS ANGELES - Organisers Friday released the first details of Michael Jackson's public memorial service, confirming that it will take place at the Staples Centre in downtown Los Angeles Tuesday. A total of 17,500 tickets will be available via lottery for fans who register online at Staplescenter.com.

July 3rd, 2009 Jackson memorial tentatively set for Tuesday in LALOS ANGELES — An executive with a concert promoter says Michael Jackson's memorial service will be Tuesday at Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles — if that's what his mother wants. Randy Phillips, chief executive for AEG Live, which owns Staples and was Jackson's promoter, says he met Thursday with Jackson's brother Randy.

July 3rd, 2009 Jackson memorial set for Tuesday in LALOS ANGELES — Michael Jackson's memorial service has been set for Tuesday at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. AEG Live, which owns the Staples Center and was Jackson's promoter, called a press conference for Friday at 10 a.m.

July 3rd, 2009 MELBOURNE - Fans wanting to bid their final adieu to late King of Pop Michael Jackson can attend his memorial service free of charge. The Jackson family has confirmed that a memorial service for the late pop icon will take place on Wednesday at the Staples Centre arena in Los Angeles About 11,000 tickets will be distributed free of charge for the event, the family said, through a public relations company engaged to handle the event.

July 2nd, 2009 Person: Officials discuss possible Jackson eventLOS ANGELES — A person with knowledge of the situation says Los Angeles officials are holding closed-door talks about a possible event for Michael Jackson on Tuesday at a downtown arena. The person, who wasn't authorized to speak publicly, said the event would take place at the Staples Center, home of the Los Angeles Lakers.

July 1st, 2009 Official: No Jackson family contact on memorialLOS ANGELES — A Santa Barbara County law enforcement official says the family of Michael Jackson has yet to reach out to them for a possible memorial at Neverland. Sheriff's Lt.

June 30th, 2009 Officials discussing Jackson memorial at NeverlandLOS ANGELES — Santa Barbara County officials are in a meeting about Michael Jackson plans, and E! Online reports they are discussing a possible memorial service at his Neverland Ranch. Lt. Butch Arnoldi, a Sheriff's Department spokesman, told E!: "Our guys are meeting as we speak with the California Highway Patrol to discuss the security issues." Santa Barbara County Fire spokesman Capt.