PHOTOSTickets For Kobe Bryant's Public Memorial At Staples Center Go On Sale
Feb. 14 2020, Updated 10:06 p.m. ET
Tickets for Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Bryant's public memorial at Staples Center went on sale on Friday, February 14. Fans can now register through Monday, February 17 to buy tickets to the event on Ticketmaster. Proceeds from the sales will go to the late athlete's Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.
"A limited number of tickets will be released for public sale, with all proceeds going to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. The Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation exists to further Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s legacy in youth sports. Specifically, the foundation aims to provide access, opportunity, and to teach life skills to young girls and boys through the vehicle of sports," Ticketmaster's website explained.
Kobe and Gianna's celebration of life is set to take place on February 24. It is expected to draw a huge crowd of athletes, celebrities, fans and friends. Speakers and performers for the memorial have yet to be announced.
Kobe, Gianna and seven others lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on Sunday, January 26. The athlete and his daughter were recently laid to rest in a private funeral at the Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona Del Mar, California.
Kobe's widow Vanessa Bryant hasn't been seen in public since the heartbreaking tragedy, but she is expected to be in attendance at the memorial. She took to Instagram on February 10 to share that she was suffering from survivor's guilt and doing her best to cope with her grief for the sake of her daughters Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.
- Kobe Bryant & Daughter Gianna Bryant Laid To Rest In Private Funeral Ahead Of Public Memorial
- Vanessa Bryant Breaks Silence On Husband Kobe Bryant & Daughter Gianna Bryant's Tragic Deaths — 'There Aren’t Enough Words To Describe Our Pain Right Now'
- Kobe Bryant's Public Memorial Will Take Place At Staples Center In Los Angeles On February 24
"I've been reluctant to put my feelings into words. My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi are gone. I can’t process both at the same time. It’s like I’m trying to process Kobe being gone but my body refuses to accept my Gigi will never come back to me. It feels wrong. Why should I be able to wake up another day when my baby girl isn’t being able to have that opportunity?! I’m so mad. She had so much life to live," Vanessa wrote.
She continued, "Then I realize I need to be strong and be here for my 3 daughters. Mad I’m not with Kobe and Gigi but thankful I’m here with my other daughters Natalia, Bianka and Capri. I know what I’m feeling is normal. It’s part of the grieving process. I just wanted to share in case there’s anyone out there that’s experienced a loss like this. God I wish they were here and this nightmare would be over. Praying for all of the victims of this horrible tragedy. Please continue to pray for all."
Vanessa changed the name of Kobe's Mamba Sports Foundation to include Gianna, she announced on Thursday, February 13. "Because there is no #24 without #2, we have updated the Mamba Sports Foundation to now be called the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. Our mission remains the same — and stronger than ever — to provide opportunities to young people through sports. Thank you all for the outpouring of support and your kind donations to date as we carry forth Kobe and Gigi’s legacy. We hope to empower young athletes in a world they left us all to help shape. #Mamba #Mambacita #wings @mambamambacitasports," she said.
