NEW YORK -- At least 150,000 people are expected to attend a 10-minute silent vigil for John Lennon Sunday at the Central Park bandshell.
Radio stations, concert halls, movie theaters and fans around the country also say they'll honor the wishes of Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, with a period of silent prayer 'for John's soul' at 2 p.m. EST.
The 10 minutes of silence will come midway in a 60-minute program of recorded music at Central Park.
Capt. Joseph Morales, head of the Police Operations Unit, said about 400 officers will be at the bandshell Sunday and that police expect 'a minimum' of 150,000 people to show up.
'That's how many Elton John drew at a concert here, so we kind of feel Lennon will get at least that,' Morales said.
Mayor Edward Koch has urged New Yorkers to honor the singer and will attend the prayer ceremony himself.
About 100 other police officers Sunday were to be assigned to watch Lennon's apartment, the Dakota, where ardent Lennon fans have maintained a vigil since he was shot to death Monday night.
The New York Jets announced a musical tribute to Lennon during Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints in Shea Stadium, scene of the Beatles triumphant concert in 1965.
The Boston Pops added 'Hey Jude' to its program Saturday night at Carnegie Hall concert. Conductor John Williams said he wanted to 'pay tribute to one of the very great musicians of our time, and one who has had a profound effect on not only popular but all forms of music.'
Radio stations around the country have announced plans to drop commercials for an hour on Sunday, while others prepared special musical tributes to the man who, with Paul McCartney, wrote more hit songs than any other recording artist.
Chicago stations said they would go non-commercial all day Sunday and air tributes to Lennon, and city officials said they will broadcast Beatle music over public loudspeakers.
