Today (Feb. 24) at the Los Angeles Staples Center, over 20,000 people have come together to celebrate the life and legacy of Kobe and Gianna Bryant. The memorial event was held specifically on 2/24/20 to symbolize both Gianna and Kobe’s famed jersey numbers, as well as the number of seasons he played in the NBA.
Tickets for the event were previously sold through a lottery system and were priced at $224, two for $224 and $24.02 each, also a nod to the numbers that Kobe and Gianna wore. Those who were unable to purchase tickets have been directed to stay home and watch the memorial online or on TV, since it will not be broadcast outside of the arena.
All proceeds from ticket sales will go to benefit the Mamba Sports Foundation, which was recently renamed to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.
“Because there is no #24 without #2, we have updated the Mamba Sports Foundation to now be called the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation,” Vanessa Bryant previously announced the foundation’s new name on Instagram. “Our mission remains the same – and stronger than ever – to provide opportunities to young people through sports. Thank you all for the outpouring of support and your kind donations to date as we carry forth Kobe and Gigi’s legacy.. We hope to empower young athletes in a world they left us all to help shape.”
According to ESPN, Houston Rockets’ James Harden and Russell Westbrook and Oregon’s Sabrina Ionescu — Gianna’s close friend — are scheduled to address the crowd during the event.
Beyonce began the memorial with a musical tribute, signing “XO,” which she said was one of Kobe’s favorite songs.
“I’m here because I love Kobe and this is one of his favorite songs. So I wanna start that over but I want us all to do it all together,” she said, before leading the crowd in a musical medley.
Watch A Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant via ESPN below.