City to host public viewing of Ali memorial service

Droves of mourners were unable to get tickets to Friday's memorial service of Muhammad Ali, so the city is hosting a public viewing on a large screen at a Downtown park.

"The world will literally be watching tomorrow," Mayor Greg Fischer announced at a news conference Thursday afternoon.

Relatives of the boxing legend have approved the city's plan to broadcast the 2 p.m. service to the public at Belvedere park, north of The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, he said.

Residents also will be able to take photos next to the towering Ali depiction spray painted this week by Louisville artist Braylyn Stewart.

Workers began setting up dozens of picnic table and bleachers and the arts center agreed to allow the public to cool off in the lobby and use bathrooms Friday. The Louisville Water Company is providing water.

"Our community is responding with hospitality and compassion," the mayor said.

Behind him stood some of the 1,000 volunteers, clad in pumpkin-colored "I Am Ali" T-shirts with commemorative pins, who are helping in many capacities this week as luminaries, boxing fans and others flock to the city.

Karen Williams, president of the Louisville Convention Bureau, said several people asked for one of the pins, including Pakistani Ambassador Jalil Jilani. Some were on hand for Jilani and other dignitaries but they aren't available for the public.

Officials did order more T-shirts, which are on sale now at the Visitor's Center at 4th and Jefferson. They don't have "Ambassador" printed on the back - you had to put in some sweat equity as a volunteer for that one.

The supply is limited. Proceeds will benefit the Muhammad Ali Center.