Millions Of Fans Rush To Get Jackson's Memorial Service Tickets

July 4, 2009 12:37 p.m. EST

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - Tens of thousands of fans have applied to get free tickets to Michael Jackson's public memorial service next week.

The reports said more than half a million people have already registered for 17,500 free tickets. Names will be selected randomly at staplescenter.com.

Fifty-one-year-old Jackson will be remembered on Tuesday at the Staples Center, a sports arena in downtown Los Angeles, California.

Earlier, the tickets were only open to U.S. citizens, but on Saturday they were opened for the fans from around the world.

As of 5:30 p.m. PT (8:30 p.m. ET) on Friday, at least 525,000 people registered for tickets, Ken Sunshine, the Jackson family spokesman, said today. The lottery was announced 10:30 a.m. PT.

Police in LA are expecting more than 700,000 King of Pop's fans to gather outside the arena, which will be limited to people with the tickets.

The reports are speculating that Jackson's body will be buried on a different site.