Warnie's memorial service is today: What you need to know
<p>Almost a month on from the sudden death of cricketer Shane Warne, the Spin King will be honoured with a celebration in the heart of Melbourne at the MCG, in front of fans and family alike.</p>
<p>Those closest to Warne farewelled him at a private service earlier this month and those wishing to pay their respects can now watch or attend a state memorial service today.</p>
<p><strong>When and where is the service?</strong><br />The service will be at the MCG, home to some of Warne's greatest cricketing triumphs.<br />The gates of the MCG are due to open at 5:30 pm for a 7 pm start, and the state memorial service is scheduled to run for about two hours.</p>
<p>A stage will be set up on the grounds of the MCG and upwards of 40,000 people are expected to fill the stadium's stands. The service will feature performances, tributes and reflections recognising Warne's big personality and charisma as well as his enormous contributions to Australian sport.</p>
<p><strong>Who will be attending?</strong><br />A long and impressive list of high-profile people will take part in the service, but not everyone will appear in person. Some guests and performers will appear either via live video links or pre-recorded segments.</p>
<p>Musical entertainment will be a huge part of the service. Performers are expected from those Warne counted among his friends including Elton John, Chris Martin, Robbie Williams and Ed Sheeran. Local acts will include Anthony Callea and musician Jon Stevens, slated to perform covers of "bangers" that were among Warne's favourites, including songs by INXS and Noiseworks. Kylie and Dannii Minogue will also be part of the proceedings, but it's unclear whether or not they will perform.</p>
<p>The biggest names in cricket in Australia and overseas will take part, including Wasim Akram, Allan Border, Ian Botham, Sachin Tendulkar, Michael Clarke, Stephen Fleming, Merv Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Glenn McGrath and Mark Taylor.</p>
<p>AFL great Dermott Brereton and Aaron Hamill, a long-time close friend of Warne, will take part, as will actors Eric Bana, Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe. Other prominent people making appearances are golfer Greg Norman, surfer Kelly Slater and comedian Andy Lee.</p>
<p>The people most important to Warne, his immediate family, will also speak as part of the evening's proceedings. His three children, Brooke, Jackson and Summer, his father Keith and brother Jason are due to appear on stage.</p>
<p><strong>Can I still get a ticket?</strong><br />More than 50,000 tickets have already been nabbed, but another 10,000 spots were released through the MCG website on Wednesday.</p>
<p>Tickets to the event are free and in recognition of Warne's contributions to the game, his family requested that fans come along to the memorial dressed in their cricket gear.</p>
<p><strong>How can I watch it?</strong><br />Eddie McGuire, who will MC the event, said all free-to-air TV channels will be broadcasting the service, there will be radio channels airing it as well, and there will be multiple places to live stream the proceedings online. Coverage will begin on ABC News Channel and on iview from 6:30 pm AEDT, with the memorial broadcast live on ABC Local Radio (except SA and Perth metro) and ABC Sport Digital.</p>
