The Staples Center in Los Angeles will be hosting a public memorial service on February 24 for Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and the seven others who died during the January 26 helicopter crash. The date of 2/24 was chosen as it combines the jersey numbers of Gianna (2) and Kobe (24.)
According to Entertainment Tonight, there was a debate about the memorial service being held at a larger venue such as one of the football stadiums in the Los Angeles area in order to accommodate more people. Officials ultimately decided it was fitting to host the event on Bryant’s home court at the Staples Center, which also hosted Nipsey Hussle’s memorial in April 2019.
Kobe’s memorial service takes place in between a pair of Lakers home games on February 23 and 25. The Clippers, who also play their home games at the Staples Center, have a game scheduled for February 24, the night of the service. Because of this, there will be no procession.
On January 31, the Los Angeles Lakers orchestrated a tribute to Bryant before their first game following his death.
