A public memorial service for pop music star Michael Jackson will take place on Tuesday, July 7 in Los Angeles, California.  The service will be at the Staples Center arena.  Addition viewing via worldwide television feed will be available at the Nokia Theater, across the street from Staples Center.

At a news conference on Friday, a Jackson family spokesman announced that 17,500 tickets would be made available to fans with 11,000 of those tickets allowing access to the actual service at Staples Center.  The other 6,500 tickets will be for the Nokia Theater.  All tickets are free.  Fans wishing to attend must register at www.staplescenter.com.  A computer drawing will randomly select the names of ticket recipients.  Those selected will be notified by e-mail on Sunday about how to pick up necessary credentials.  Only people with tickets and appropriate supplemental credentials will be allowed inside the two venues.

City of Los Angeles officials and memorial service planners say there will be no viewing areas setup outside the venues.  Those who do not receive tickets are advised to stay home and watch the service on television.  All networks will have access to the worldwide satellite feed at no charge. 

The service will begin at 10:00 AM pacific time (1:00 PM eastern time).  No other details of the service have been released, including whether Michael Jackson's body will be there.  TMZ.com reports a solid bronze, 24-karat gold-plated casket costing $25,000 has been ordered for Jackson.