Despite the very slim chances of winning a ticket to see Michael Jackson’s memorial in Los Angeles on Tuesday, it is reported that up to a million Brits have already booked their flights to LA to attend the big event.
British Airways said that all their direct LA flights are already sold out, and flights today and Tuesday to American connecting cities including San Francisco, Las Vegas and Denver are expected to be sold out by the end of the day.
All American Airlines flights are also fully booked: “We’re fully booked. You can’t get a ticket on that route now for love nor money. People are flying to neighbouring cities and driving or taking connecting flights.”
Over 1.6million Michael Jackson fans registered for the memorial service at the Staples Center Web site on Sunday, but there were only 8,750 tickets available to win.
Each lucky person selected randomly at 6pm yesterday will receive two tickets.
Winners will receive a unique code and instructions on how to pick up their tickets today at an off-site distribution center. When they pick up their tickets, a wristband will be placed on their wrists. To gain access to the Staples Center tomorrow, fans must have both the ticket and the wristband.
But don’t travel if you don’t already have a ticket, as the LAPD will block off several square blocks around Staples Center and its surrounding areas, based on the size of the crowd.
You can watch the event live on TV.
TMZ, BBC 24, Sky News, CNN, The Sky Arts, E! Entertainment, NBC and ABC will be broadcasting the four-hour memorial tribute starting at 6pm UK time.
