Thousands Of Fans Disappointed After Being Waitlisted For Kobe Bryant Memorial
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Scores of Kobe Bryant fans received the same email Tuesday night – they had been put on a waitlist to purchase a ticket to the NBA icon's memorial at Staples Center.
Ticketmaster notified thousands of fans, "You're on the Waitlist," for Kobe and Gianna Bryant's "A Celebration of Life" public memorial service. The event takes place 10 a.m. Monday at Staples Center.
"There has been an outpouring of love and support for A Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant, and the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation wishes that everyone could attend the event," the email said.
Thousands of people from Los Angeles and around the world signed for a chance to buy a ticket, exceeding the availability for the ticket release, Ticketmaster said. One report had the number of people who registered for tickets at more than 90,000. Many fans on social media seemed resigned to the notion that being waitlisted meant they would not be getting a ticket.
"To ensure the best experience, we are only able to invite a small number of fans to participate in tomorrow's ticket release," the email continued. "Should additional tickets become available, registrants will be randomly selected to move off the Waitlist and will be notified by text message with information on how to search for tickets."
The elaborate sign up and waitlist process appeared to be an effort to crack down on memorial tickets being resold online.
Ticket prices range from $24.02 to $224, and proceeds will be donated to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. They will be put up for sale at 10 a.m. and are non-transferable.
Staples Center officials say fans without a ticket to the memorial should stay home as it will not be broadcast on the outdoor screens.
