Michael Jackson fans flock to Burbank area memorial

Their weeklong stay with relatives included stops at memorials outside the Jackson family home in Encino, Neverland Ranch and the Holmby Hills mansion where Jackson died.

“They say G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time). That’s Michael,” Sampson said. “That’s what this is about.”

While economists estimated tourism-related activities tied to the memorial service — hotel-room bookings, parking and visits to local restaurants and shops — could generate $4 million locally, the impact to Burbank has been minimal, business owners said.

Local hotels recorded no significant change in business because of the stream of tourists who have poured into the area for the memorial services.

Occupancy rates at the Holiday Inn Burbank Media Center and Glendale Hilton, two of the largest regional hotels, held at their averages.

If the hotels were closer to the festivities, they may have experienced a surge in business, said Donn Hooker, director of marketing for the Glendale Hilton.

“It would have to be immediately near the hotel for it to be an impact,” Hooker said. “The Staples Center makes complete sense, but out here we didn’t expect anything significant.”

After an hour at Forest Lawn, Jackson’s family and close friends moved to Staples Center, where musicians, athletes and family paid tribute to Jackson today during an poignant, music-filled service.

“People look at this and many don’t understand, I know,” said Diana Garcia, standing at the entrance of the cemetery with an orange and red rose in her hand.

When her mother carried her across the U.S.-Mexico border more than a decade ago, Garcia sat at home for hours a day watching MTV to stave off the boredom.

“I fell in love with him like many people, by watching MTV,” she said.

“Whenever I felt sad, I listened. That was my way out of the isolation.”

Sophonias Giz, who traveled to Burbank from Seattle, said the last two weeks have been difficult to stomach.

“It has been like losing the best friend I never met,” he said.

— Staff writer Zain Shauk contributed to this report.