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Posted: Tuesday, 07 July 2009 9:29AM
MJ fan frenzy feared at Staples Center
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LOC ANGELES (CBS) -- Los Angeles was bracing for a possible crush of non-ticket holders around the Staples Center for the Michael Jackson memorial Tuesday.
On "The Early Show," CBS News correspondent Jeff Glor looked at ticket pickups at Dodger Stadium and preparations at the Staples Center.
Online lottery winners from across the country and around the world had just one day, Glor reported, to make their way to Dodger Stadium to get the tickets and wristbands that would get them access to the memorial.
One fan said he felt like a millionaire because he'd won a ticket.
A woman said, "I've never won anything in my life, and I won the tickets, and it's like so surreal."
But police have a warning for ticket-holders: "It should be a celebration. It's a wonderful event," said Capt. Bill Murphy of the Los Angeles Police Department. "So please don't disrespect anybody and try to sell the tickets."
However, some made the trip needlessly. One man came all the way from Australia, hoping he won the ticket lottery. But he didn't.
"I'll probably watch (the memorial) on TV at least," he told Glor.
The preparations at the Staples Center are taking place between a Sunday basketball game and a three-ring circus coming to the center on Wednesday.
Glor reported security is tight.
Murphy said, "If folks do not have a ticket, if they are not credentialed, they will not be in an area where they can see anything of the Staples or Nokia (Theatre)."
Numerous Metro bus lines are being detoured as streets are closed.
"We have more people here today than we had for the [Lakers'] parade," LAPD Chief William Bratton said on "The Early Show." "We really just do not how many people will actually show up, so we're prepared for anything."
The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau expects a tourism influx, which could generate $4 to $5 million in economic activity.
British Airways reported a surge of bookings as soon as the memorial arrangements were announced. Virgin Atlantic spokesman Paul Charles said the airline's transatlantic flights to San Francisco, Las Vegas and Los Angeles were all packed with fans and VIPs.
"I think this is America's version of Princess Diana. People want to be in the vicinity. People from the U.K. and elsewhere want to share their emotions together," Charles said.
But the event will also cost money -- at least $2 million for extra police and city services, from a local government already half a billion dollars in debt.
"I would love for somebody to pick up the entire tab," Acting Mayor and City Councilwoman Jan Perry said. "That would be great."
Glor reported Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Usher and Jennifer Hudson are set to attend the memorial Tuesday, while others sent their regrets, such as Elizabeth Taylor, Whitney Houston and Debbie Rowe -- the woman who may fight for custody of Jackson's children.
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