Seth Doane's Notebook: Memorial Costs

By: Seth Doane
Topics: Katie Couric's Notebook

For Michael Jackson fans, it's a golden ticket. Just 11,000 thousand people out of 1.6 million applicants will get to see the sendoff for the King of Pop live at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Another 6,500 will be next door at the Nokia Theater.

The tickets are free but the event obviously is not. It will require the LAPD and other city departments to work overtime to handle what could be record-breaking crowds in the downtown area. Police say they're preparing for crowds similar to what they saw during the 1984 Olympics.

One LA city councilwoman said she hopes the Jackson family will help pay the tab but told CBS there has been no such offer as of today.

Last month it was private donations that covered much of the cost of a parade to celebrate the Lakers' NBA championship.

For now, an already cash-strapped city hopes a King's memorial service won't cost a King's ransom.

I'm Seth Doane, CBS News.

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by shylove2 July 7, 2009 4:43 PM EDT: But where was evryone when he was being vilified as a pedophile? It might be that someone with a Peter Pan complex really isn't a danger to society.; Reply to this comment


by kev0310 July 7, 2009 4:07 PM EDT: Michael Jackson Memorial - the best ever show produced on earth, well deserved for the best ever entertainer on earth. What a moving tribute. Thank you LA.; Reply to this comment


by Its_Katie July 7, 2009 2:58 PM EDT: Considering the state of CA is asking the Federal Government to help bail the state out of a dire financial crisis, how is this memorial even possible? No offense to Michael or his family but dont you think this money that CA "Doesnt have 2 spend" (even tho they are spending it right this minute) shouldnt it be spent in a more sensible way? Whats to say if CA is even given Monies by the Federal Government that it wont be spent on someone elses Memorial & not spent on what the state really needs it spent on?; Reply to this comment