RIP in 2009

[Jazzman]

Whomever chose Staples Center for the memorial instead of a larger venue is ultimately responsible for the ticket scalping fiasco. With the worldwide outpouring of grief, obviously 10000 tickets doesn't come close to being enough, so obviously there is going to be an astronomical demand for tickets. Realistically, they should have chosen a much larger venue and planned more than one memorial, say a "friends, family and important famous people" service, and an open public service. Regular people have multiple services, so why not Michael? I'm also surprised that it won't be broadcast on every channel, a la Princess Di. That would ease a lot of trouble too. But, there's also the question of whether this turmoil is just what the Jackson family wants, as it makes the event even bigger news, much as Michael courted the gossip mags to keep himself relevant. Whatever the case, it looks like it'll be one giant SNAFU. Sad for the mourning public.

[Moonliner]

Originally Posted by Jazzman

Whomever chose Staples Center for the memorial instead of a larger venue is ultimately responsible for the ticket scalping fiasco. With the worldwide outpouring of grief, obviously 10000 tickets doesn't come close to being enough, so obviously there is going to be an astronomical demand for tickets. Realistically, they should have chosen a much larger venue and planned more than one memorial, say a "friends, family and important famous people" service, and an open public service. Regular people have multiple services, so why not Michael? I'm also surprised that it won't be broadcast on every channel, a la Princess Di. That would ease a lot of trouble too. But, there's also the question of whether this turmoil is just what the Jackson family wants, as it makes the event even bigger news, much as Michael courted the gossip mags to keep himself relevant. Whatever the case, it looks like it'll be one giant SNAFU. Sad for the mourning public.

Errr, I think the plan is to broadcast it on a large number of stations. The organizers have mentioned giving media outlets a free worldwide feed...

[Jazzman]

Originally Posted by Moonliner

Errr, I think the plan is to broadcast it on a large number of stations. The organizers have mentioned giving media outlets a free worldwide feed...

That's good. The last I heard, that wasn't the plan, though I have been at the beach lighting fireworks for three days so I may have missed a lot of Mikey news. Definitely a good idea.

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by Jazzman

Whomever chose Staples Center for the memorial instead of a larger venue is ultimately responsible for the ticket scalping fiasco.

The only way to get anything larger would require going outdoors (Staples can hold about 20,000 for "concerts"). Doing something like this outdoors would require MUCH more infrastructure (video displays and audio in particular - both of which are MUCH easier to hang from Staples's rafters than try to set up at say the Coliseum) and would require a more extensive setup. Yes, I know that they just held the Lakers celebration at the Coliseum, but I believe to do an MJ tribute properly, they will need more than what they had for the Lakers.

I am guessing that they will be utilizing the same staging that was already in place at Staples for the rehearsals that were going on there already (they rehearsed there the night before his passing and the crew was already set up and in place for another rehearsal the day of his passing).

Also, Staples's will have much better infrastructure to handle the broadcast on such short notice.

Originally Posted by Moonliner

Errr, I think the plan is to broadcast it on a large number of stations.

The feed is being offered free of charge to any station/network who wants to carry it.