Vanessa Bryant shared an invitation of her husband, Kobe Bryant and their daughter Gianna’s memorial service to her Instagram followers on Friday. The memorial service will be held at the Staples Center on Feb. 24 and it will start at 10 a.m. local time, with more details to later follow. With thousands of fans leaving flowers, photos and basketballs outside the Staples Center, it’s likely over 20,000 fans will be at the memorial service.
However, some fans wanted the service to be in a bigger facility because they feel the Staples Center is too small. There were reports of having it at the L.A. Coliseum before deciding on the Staples Center.
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“There was conversations about possibly having the ceremony at the LA Coliseum to fit more people, but ultimately the Staples Center made the most sense as it was such a big part of Kobe’s life,” a source told Entertainment Tonight. “The date being the 24th was a decision to coincide with his jersey number as well. The day will be a way for LA to celebrate a man that meant so much to the city.”
Here’s a look at fans reacting to the post.
The Invitation
View this post on Instagram
Here’s a look at the invitation that Vanessa shared on Instagram. She wanted to make sure all the fans see it so they can attend and support the Bryant family as well as all the families of the seven victims. And as it was mentioned, Staples Center will be packed on Feb. 24.
La La Weighs in
‘How It Should Be’: La La Anthony Shares Family Photo With Carmelo Anthony, and People Show Plenty of Excitement https://t.co/bMSFePTCy3 pic.twitter.com/4X0zFdasVc
— AMR (@AMReports) January 2, 2020
La La Anthony, the wife of NBA star Carmelo Anthony, sent her love to Vanessa: “Love u V. Every step of the way. She ended the comment with two heart emojis.
Message from a Fan
This fan had a strong message for Bryant as she continues to mourn the loss of her husband and 13-year old daughter, writing: “May their lovely souls Rest In Peace. May God strengthen you.”
By Her Side
This fan wanted to let Vanessa know that everyone is with her as she going is through this emotional time in her life. “Love you V. With you always,” the fan wrote, which shared a similar sentiment with many others in the comments section of the post.
Love from Olivia Munn
Actress Oliva Munn had no words for Vanessa as she commented with a bunch of heart emojis. With the Bryant family being in Los Angeles and Kobe being active in the media world, it’s likely Munn has run into the couple at least once.
Another Strong Message
Another strong message from a fan who is praying for all the families, wrote: “Praying for you and the other families. I hope you feel the love and spiritual strength that you need to endure this tragedy. Gods grace is amazing. All my love to you, beautiful Vanessa.”
Live stream
This fan wants the memorial service live streamed since not everyone can make it to Los Angeles, writing: “I am hoping this is live-streamed somewhere or broadcast on NBA TV for those that can’t make it there.”
Compliment for Vanessa
This Instagram user loves Bryant and appreciates sharing the invitation to the millions of her followers. “Thank you for sharing everything with us. You are such a strong beautiful classy lady,” they wrote.
