Kobe Bryant memorial: Guests receive book with career highlights, family photos, T-shirt and commemorative pin
All those lucky enough to score a ticket for the "Celebration of Life" event at the Staples Center celebrating the lives of Kobe and Gianna Bryant have made their way inside, with the memorial expected to last three hours.
Details about the memorial have been kept closely under wraps, though it appears as though all attendees are receiving a book filled with photos from Kobe's basketballing career as well as some intimate moments that he spent with his family.
Attendees have received a t-shirt with Kobe and Gianna, a special ticket, and a commemorative "KB" pin as well.
It is also being reported that 33,643 roses have been placed around the center stage at the Staples Center for the memorial -- one rose for every point Kobe scored during his 20-season professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers. On the overhead video board, images of Kobe Bryant and his family are being played.
Thousands of fans had waited outside the doors clad in various combinations of purple, gold, and black, with many carrying with them some kind of memorabilia that helped them connect with the NBA legend.
Alexander Vazquez, of West Los Angeles, went one step further. He brought 26 doves -- 24 for Kobe and two for Gianna -- which he planned to release at 9:55 am, five minutes before the ceremony was scheduled to begin at 10 am PT.
He revealed the birds were from a family business and were usually set off at weddings and funerals. "This is a free event for me," he said. "I always wanted a dad like him. I had a drunk dad... Kobe was the complete opposite of that."
The event has been delayed slightly and will now begin at 10:30 am PT instead.
