British fans in the ballot for Jackson memorial

Published on Saturday 4 July 2009 19:54

ORGANISERS of Michael Jackson's public memorial announced yesterday British fans will be able to apply for tickets.

The clamour for tickets to the event in Los Angeles began as soon as details of how to register for the ballot were revealed.

British fans were disappointed to read on the Staples Centre website that only US residents could apply before the information was later changed. A spokesman for the memorial's organiser said: "British fans can register for the memorial."

Other fans of the King of Pop will be able to watch Tuesday's event from home as it will be broadcast worldwide.

The stadium's website crashed within moments of AEG Live president and chief executive Tim Leiweke announcing the opening of registration for the draw.

Some 17,500 free tickets will be available in pairs – 11,000 of which will admit entrance to the Staples Centre itself, with 6,500 places to watch on screens at the nearby Nokia theatre.

Leiweke said: "It is the family's wish to create a service and a celebration that all of Michael's fans around the world can be part of. Thus the family has made arrangements to provide a worldwide pool feed to every network for free."

Fans have been descending on Los Angeles since Jackson's death at the age of 50 ten days ago.

On Thursday, a 30-second snippet of Jackson rehearsing two days before his death was released, part of more than 100 hours of footage that could be turned into albums, a movie and a pay-per-view special. The material, along with possible insurance proceeds and ticket sales to memorabilia collectors, could help benefit Jackson's estate, burdened by an estimated debt of $400 million (245m).

Meanwhile, it was revealed that the powerful sedative Diprivan was found in Jackson's home. The anaesthetic, is administered intravenously and is unusual to have in a private home.