Michael Jackson Funeral to Charge $25 and Sell T-Shirts

Michael Jackson will soon be laid to rest. His funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The Nokia Theater, located directly next door, will also be used along with gigantic screens outside for the expected thousands of fans who will not be able to get in without tickets. Thats right - I said tickets. Fans who want to be apart of the King of Pop’s funeral will have to dish out $25 a pop for tickets in order to pay their respects to their icon. Friends and family of the fallen star will be sitting on the main floor, while ticket holders will have seats located in the stands. The memorial service will have a concert feel, featuring guest speakers and streaming music and video. Fans who are able to get their hands on tickets will also be able to buy “This Is It” tour paraphernalia outside the center as they are entering the service. Jacksons close friends, like Elizabeth Taylor and Diana Ross, are expected to attend.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus was scheduled to move into the Staples Center to set up for their circus starting the following day but has been asked to postpone doing so for a few hours. Rumors are circulating that the circus is now on standby with the service being followed by a parade of elephants and circus performers, but Ringling Bros. has a different story.

“We will not be taking part in the memorial service,” spokesperson Stephen Payne confirmed. “We are prepared to make any logistical changes with equipment and such to help out.”

The latest word is there will be no open casket viewing. Thank common sense for that. His death has become a media frenzy as it is, so at least they are letting him rest in peace in some way.

[ Radar]