Michael Jackson memorial set for Tuesday

This still from footage of the last Michael Jackson rehearsal shows the late performer preparing for his comeback concerts in London. (AEG, Kevin Mazur/Associated Press)

A public memorial service for Michael Jackson will be held on Tuesday morning at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, where the late pop star had been rehearsing for his London comeback concerts, the Jackson family said in a statement.

The service has been set for 10 a.m. PT and 11,000 free tickets will be available.

Details on how they will be issued will be given at a news conference later on Friday.

Earlier this week, the Jackson family ruled out a service and burial at the singer's Neverland ranch, northwest of Los Angeles.

Tuesday's memorial will attract far more fans than the arena can hold, and city officials are scrambling to come up with plans to control the massive crowd that is expected to descend on the downtown area.

CBC News' Jennifer Westaway in Los Angeles reported that the Staples Center is already surrounded by police barricades and a few early-bird fans have turned up hoping to get tickets for the memorial.

Los Angeles city councilman Dennis Zin told The Associated Press that with the July 4 holiday, "It's the worst time ... to work something out."

He said he was also concerned about the cost of police overtime for the cash-strapped city. Last month, the city had to find private backers to throw a victory parade for the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers.

Meanwhile, video footage of Jackson's last rehearsal before his death last week has emerged, showing the pop icon to be still light on his feet and dancing with his unmistakable verve.

With files from The Associated Press  

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