LAPD Gives More Jackson Memorial Details

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LAPD Gives More Jackson Memorial Details

Sun., Jul. 5, 2009 1:47 PM PDT by Megan Masters & Lindsay Miller

Jed Jacobsohn/ Getty Images, Telegraph UK/ ZUMA Press

Don't say we didn't warn you: If you don't have a ticket to The Michael Jackson Memorial, don't go downtown.

The Los Angeles Police Department held a briefing Sunday morning to discuss the ever-expanding list of details surrounding Tuesday's events and once again, police advised fans to stay home.

City officials are not naive to the expected non-ticket holding turnout. The specific number of fans anticipated to converge downtown is a "great unknown," but looking to the past offers some idea.

The funerals of other well-known icons, Elvis and Princess Diana, drew some 75,000 and 250,000 mourners, respectively, and taking into consideration Jackson's worldwide fame, the LAPD is prepping for several hundreds of thousands of fans.

Officials are still in the planning process, but made clear that unless you are a designated ticket holder or credentialed press member you will not be allowed in the "safe zone."

The "safe zone" boundaries will make much more sense to locals, but for out-of-town attendees, this area constitutes North Olympic Blvd., South Pico Blvd. and East and West Blaine St.—basically, the perimeter of Staples Center.

No further details of the Forest Lawn funeral service were provided, except to say that there are no plans for a family motorcade on Tuesday, as well as discussion of the efforts officials are putting into maintaining a respectful distance around the area for memorial proceedings.