Michael Jackson's concerts always were difficult to get tickets to, but that's nothing compared to the pop star's memorial service.
On eBay, bids for tickets for Tuesday's event were reaching as high as $3,000, though it was impossible to verify the seriousness of those bids. On Craigslist, asking prices also were in the thousands. Some unable to attend, though, simply wanted to give away their tickets — as one post read — "to only true fans."
Throughout the day, both eBay and Craigslist were taking down postings attempting to sell tickets to the memorial service, which will be held at Los Angeles' Staples Center.
More than 1.6 million fans registered online for a chance to attend, and only 8,750 names were chosen — each of whom received two free tickets.
Organizers have also made efforts to prevent scalping. Staples Center spokesman Michael Roth said organizers will check IDs to make sure those picking up wristbands are the same people who originally applied online.
Ticket winners also have to present a unique code when picking up tickets, as many did Monday at Dodger Stadium. A bracelet for the event was immediately placed on ticketholders' wrists, though they were permitted to give anyone their second bracelet.
Demand for the tickets was likely to only increase after representatives for Jackson's family released a list of participants Monday. Among those scheduled to attend the ceremony are Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Kobe Bryant, Brooke Shields, Usher and John Mayer.
Even the rejection notices fans received informing them that they had not won tickets to the memorial service were being auctioned. For a dollar or two, some on eBay offered to forward a copy of their rejection e-mail as "a collector's piece for a fan."
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Michael Jackson Tickets Not for Sale
More than 1.6 million people applied to win Michael Jackson memorial tickets. Now it seems some of the 8,750 people who did win a pair are hoping unluckier fans will pay a price to go.
Each person who won had to pick up their tickets and wrist bands Monday in LA. They were fitted with a wristband on the spot so they can't resell, but many are trying to sell their extra ticket and wristband on sites like Ebay and Craigslist. Some have been spotted with prices in the 6 digits.
"I grew up with that music and even though I came here to work, I would have worked something out. Just fly in, fly back out. I would have seriously considered it. I love Michael Jackson," said fan Maximo Flores who was not one of the lucky ones who won a ticket.
"It just seems that they're making a circus out of this man's death. It's like people are going to a rock concert and it's really a memorial for a man who died," said Billings native Mary Randall.
Representatives from Ebay said the tickets are not allowed to be sold on the site and any listings will be removed. The same goes for Craigslist, where users are flagging the listings.
Each person who won had to pick up their tickets and wrist bands Monday in LA. They were fitted with a wristband on the spot so they can't resell, but many are trying to sell their extra ticket and wristband on sites like Ebay and Craigslist. Some have been spotted with prices in the 6 digits.
"I grew up with that music and even though I came here to work, I would have worked something out. Just fly in, fly back out. I would have seriously considered it. I love Michael Jackson," said fan Maximo Flores who was not one of the lucky ones who won a ticket.
"It just seems that they're making a circus out of this man's death. It's like people are going to a rock concert and it's really a memorial for a man who died," said Billings native Mary Randall.
Representatives from Ebay said the tickets are not allowed to be sold on the site and any listings will be removed. The same goes for Craigslist, where users are flagging the listings.
Michael Jackson Tickets For Sale
Los Angeles, Calif- It's the hottest ticket in town. 1.6 million registered but on Sunday only 8,550 got the green light to attend the King of Pop's Memorial Service. Some lucky winners are looking to make some fast cash.
Both E-Bay and Craigslist were flooded with alleged Michael Jackson ticket holders trying to make a profit. With all the security surrounding the event Central Coast News wanted to know how they were getting away with it.
Both websites banned all m-j ticket sales. But as soon as the websites removed the posting ten more popped up. We contacted one of the ads through text and asked about the tickets. They responded
"I do. Staples Center in section 301. One cut wrist band the other not. Two tickets, $2,500 or close to it."
Staple center owner AEG spokesman Michael Roth told the LA Times that if the wrist band is altered or damaged in any way that the person would not be let in the memorial. When we texted the seller this information, they're solution was
"Super glue, I haven't cut it yet but it can be cut under the fold of the extra band."
Roth also said that the vouchers have a special code and that ticket holders will have to show a valid drivers license and those whose identification do not match the registration information, will be eliminated as guest. In addition a lockable wristband will be placed on the ticket holder on Monday.
"That process obviously didn't go like it was supposed to. We did not have to put these wristbands obviously can't be removed without looking tampered. We got the wristbands we got the tickets that was that."
When he picked up his tickets and wristbands no one told him that he would be required to bring the voucher or any identification to get into tomorrow's event. Ensuring who ever bid the highest would be guaranteed access. He settled for a thousand dollar in cash.
"No guarantee you'll get into the Staple Center, or Nokia then your watching on big screen with a bunch of other crazy people since it is not guaranteed you'll be in Staples you need to consider that."
Both E-Bay and Craigslist were flooded with alleged Michael Jackson ticket holders trying to make a profit. With all the security surrounding the event Central Coast News wanted to know how they were getting away with it.
Both websites banned all m-j ticket sales. But as soon as the websites removed the posting ten more popped up. We contacted one of the ads through text and asked about the tickets. They responded
"I do. Staples Center in section 301. One cut wrist band the other not. Two tickets, $2,500 or close to it."
Staple center owner AEG spokesman Michael Roth told the LA Times that if the wrist band is altered or damaged in any way that the person would not be let in the memorial. When we texted the seller this information, they're solution was
"Super glue, I haven't cut it yet but it can be cut under the fold of the extra band."
Roth also said that the vouchers have a special code and that ticket holders will have to show a valid drivers license and those whose identification do not match the registration information, will be eliminated as guest. In addition a lockable wristband will be placed on the ticket holder on Monday.
"That process obviously didn't go like it was supposed to. We did not have to put these wristbands obviously can't be removed without looking tampered. We got the wristbands we got the tickets that was that."
When he picked up his tickets and wristbands no one told him that he would be required to bring the voucher or any identification to get into tomorrow's event. Ensuring who ever bid the highest would be guaranteed access. He settled for a thousand dollar in cash.
"No guarantee you'll get into the Staple Center, or Nokia then your watching on big screen with a bunch of other crazy people since it is not guaranteed you'll be in Staples you need to consider that."
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