I was expecting gridlock armageddon this past Tuesday, but the trip to the Staples Center turned out to be surprisingly smooth. The lower-than-expected turnout of fans paying their respects to the untimely passing of Michael Jackson has been credited to the city's efforts to restrict downtown access to verified attendees. While heading towards central Los Angeles on the freeways, lighted traffic signs which normally advise commuters of accidents and construction work were instead warning that only drivers with tickets would be permitted in the area.

Images:

1. The Staples Center complex in downtown Los Angeles includes gleaming new skyscrapers that were just recently built during the real estate bubble.

2. Though heavy, the traffic towards downtown L.A. at 7AM was not much worse than a typical rush hour.

3. Some freeway exits around the Staples Center were closed.

4. Traffic signs in the downtown area warn that roads have been closed while construction workers observe the line of waiting cars, some of them blaring Michael Jackson songs.

5. Drivers headed towards the Staples Center are funneled along by traffic cones.

6. LAPD officers at checkpoints turn away drivers without tickets to the event.

7. The office headquarters of AEG, the organizers of Jackson's memorial, also happen to be located in the Staples Center.

8. Concrete barriers and a lineup of LAPD officers keep out people arriving without a ticket to the memorial.

9. Attendees are once again checked for both a ticket and wristband to enter the Staples Center area.

10. Now inside, the Staples Center and the adjacent Nokia Theater complex are overrun with fans and the news media.

Related MJ iReports:

• Attending the Michael Jackson Memorial - Introduction

• Willy Wonka moment getting Jackson memorial tickets at Dodger Stadium

• Forest Lawn Drive closed to traffic for MJ funeral

• We love you Michael

• The Staples Center opens to MJ fans