Sting free in Central Park

NEW YORK (AP): Some 25,000 fans will get to see Sting perform in Central Park next month -- for free.

The concert's sponsor, electronics retailer Best Buy, is paying the city US$1 million to stage the Sept. 12 performance.

Mayor Rudolph Giuliani said on Thursday the money will go to city youth programs administered by the New York Parks Department and for alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebrations around the city in December.

Though the show will be free, fans will need tickets and only 25,000 will be available.