Animal Planet, which has been the US network home to Steve Irwin's documentary shows and series, is planning to honor one of their most popular and beloved personalities with both a marathon of his shows and an airing of his public tribute memorial being held in Irwin's home country of Australia.

On Sunday, September 17, Animal Planet will air a 17-hour marathon of Irwin's shows starting at noon (eastern). During the on-air event, entitled "Crocs Rule!: A Tribute To Steve Irwin," the network will air tributes from Irwin's friends, colleagues and supporters during show breaks.

Then on Tuesday, September 19, the channel will air Steve Irwin's public memorial service on a two-hour live delay. The event takes place at the "Crocoseum," a 5,500-seat stadium at Irwin's Australia Zoo in Beerwah, Australia on Wednesday morning, but due to the time zone differentials, it will be Tuesday night for those of us in North America.

Tickets for the event were given out free this morning and the seats were filled in about 15 minutes. Many of the over 3000 in line had camped out overnight to obtain the priceless tickets, though those that missed out have expressed anger that many were given four tickets instead of two, thereby ensuring less people got a chance at them.

Speaking during the memorial tribute will be Irwin's wife, Terri, along with his 8-year old daughter Bindi, his father Bob and his manager/long-time friend John Stainton. The family held a private funeral last week for Irwin, who passed away on September 4, but opted not to hold a state funeral, instead choosing to allow fans to pay tribute in the venue which Irwin built.

Animal Planet will air the memorial commercial-free from 9-10pm (eastern/pacific), with a repeat from Midnight-1am. The network will also air the special on its regional channels worldwide, as well, so please check your local listings.

For more information on Steve Irwin, please visit the Australian Zoo website or the Discovery Channel website.

More on the passing of Steve Irwin on BellaOnline.com:

'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin Killed While Filming
Friends and Family of Steve Irwin Respond to His Accidental Death
Remembering Steve Irwin

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