Kobe Bryant's funeral may take place two weeks later, family still undecided on venue
Fans may just have to wait for a while longer for public memorial service for NBA legend Kobe Bryant, 41, who tragically died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on January 26, with logistical problems reportedly a worry for officials.
Two sources with knowledge of the situation told CNN that a memorial service for Kobe, his daughter Gianna, 13, who also died in the crash, as well as seven others, is not likely to take place any time soon.
One source, affiliated with the Los Angeles Exposition Park sports complex, said the memorial is "probably not for at least two weeks, maybe longer." Another source, also from inside one of Los Angeles' sporting venues, similarly described the timing as "hearing weeks."
While neither source divulged the reason for the delay, they did indicate that the lack of availability of large venues and other previously scheduled sports and entertainment events are proving to be roadblocks.
Staples Center, the home of the Los Angeles Lakers — with whom Bryant spent his entire professional playing career and won multiple NBA championships and an MVP award — where fans are hoping the memorial will be held, also happens to be the home of the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League.
MEAWW also previously reported that officials are not too keen on the center, which is popularly referred to as "the house that Kobe built," because of its relatively low capacity of 20,000, which will be far too little for a service that many expect to be the largest of its kind ever to be held.
Instead, they are said to be looking towards the LA Memorial Coliseum — which is home to the USC Trojans and the Los Angeles Rams — whose seating capacity is significantly higher and can hold upwards of 80,000 people.
However, even those arrangements have not yet been set, with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti admitting that the city has not been behind the planning of Bryant's funeral and that their primary concern was offering support to those who were planning it from his family.