Los Angeles - More than 1.6 million fans of the late Michael Jackson requested tickets by the 0200 GMT Sunday deadline for free admission to the memorial tribute Tuesday in Los Angeles. Only 8,750 of those people will win two tickets each for themselves and a partner to attend the event at the Staples Center sports arena in downtown Los Angeles. Some of the tickets will be for viewing large screen coverage of the event at the Nokia Theatre across the street.
Jackson died unexpectedly at age 50 on June 25, triggering a police investigation into the cause. Cable television has given nonstop coverage to reaction, interviews with family members and a revival of Jackson's most famous performances, including the famous Thriller music video from the early 1980s.
Winners of the free tribute tickets are to be announced later Sunday.
The tribute at 1700 GMT Tuesday is to be broadcast worldwide. Family spokesman Ken Sunshine told CNN on Saturday that no decision had been made whether Jackson's body would be present at the tribute. There will apparently be no public procession through the city.
Los Angeles police plan to rope off a large perimeter around the stadium and are urging fans to stay home and watch the tribute on television.
Singer Jennifer Hudson will be among the performers who will appear at the service, CNN reported.
The final burial place for Jackson has not yet been announced.
