Vacations Blog

Jackson memorial closure area

“Only” 17,500 tickets were issued for the mammoth memorial planned for Tuesday, July 7, at 10AM at Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.  Many of those lucky ticketholders promptly offered up their wares on eBay, but that’s beside the point.

The point is, those 17,500 people are merely the ones who are going to get inside the Staples Center or overflow venue at the Nokia.  Oceans and oceans of humanity will flow outside, in and around and flooding the downtown area.  Here are some facts and tips for you if you dare to venture near on this remarkable occasion:

-In a nutshell, public utilities like the cops and the transit system will not be welcoming you.
-If you work or live in the downtown area, you are screwed for the day.  Even bus routes are going to be detoured and delayed.  Time to head to the beach, friends.
-Police will be closing off the area immediately around the Staples center, so don’t try to get close
-The ceremony will NOT be shown on the big TV outside, and there will be no procession or parade
-If you go, please be courteous to your fellow humans.  Eat at the restaurants, shop at the stores, and expect delays in everything you do.  Consider leaving the children with a trusted caretaker.  Be patient.  You’re there to pay your respects, not to defile a city street with your urine, foul language, or rudeness.  (If you’re reading this site, of course I don’t mean you.)
-Remember, you can just stay at home, or even work, and watch it on TV or online or listen in on the radio.  Michael Jackson will forgive you for not risking your life and taxing the public resources.