The lines to get into Kobe Bryant’s memorial service stretched for blocks

The public got its turn to say goodbye to Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna on Monday with a memorial service at the Staples Center.

Fans got the chance to purchase tickets to attend the event — proceeds will go to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation — and the Los Angeles Police urged the public without tickets to stay away from the arena.

But as the clock ticked down before the beginning of the memorial, the Los Angeles Times reported thousands of people were lined up, waiting to get in. The possible reason for the delay? Some people without tickets were on line:

The Kobe and Gianna Bryant memorial at Staples Center is set to commence at 10 AM. There are still thousands of mourners lined up outside waiting to get in.

Follow for live updates: https://t.co/w1rkN7DlIi pic.twitter.com/pPY1gxKsIq

— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) February 24, 2020

A likely reason for the delay: a lot of people are lining up without tickets. https://t.co/dRp6HTwbFT

— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) February 24, 2020

Every possible access to .@STAPLESCenter at an absolute stand still as people line up for Kobe Bryant Memorial pic.twitter.com/XdWfu3iPoF

— Robert Beaver (@Robert__Beaver) February 24, 2020