Minutes before the start of Michael Jackson’s memorial service, CBS-TV’s Katie Couric noted the irony of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus loading into the Staples Center for its planned run this week. “Michael being an animal lover would have appreciated their appearance,“ she said, as footage of a train of elephants being led toward the venue rolled.

Staples Center executive Tim Leiweke says 17,500 tickets free tickets will be provided for Michael Jackson’s memorial Tuesday. There also will be a free worldwide video feed.