Deadra Thompson "grew up on James Brown," but on Friday she worried she wouldn't get to tell him goodbye.

Richmond County Sheriff Ronnie Strength announced Friday afternoon that mourners wouldn't be allowed to stay overnight at James Brown Arena, where today's public viewing of the Godfather of Soul is being held.

That hampered Ms. Thompson's plans to get there by 1 a.m. today to get in line and pay her respects to Mr. Brown, a man who motivated her and allowed her to believe anything is possible.

City officials put a cap on the number of people who will be allowed into the arena. Only the first 8,100 will be allowed in, which is why Ms. Thompson said she wanted to get there early.

Sheriff Strength said the coliseum authority, which oversees the James Brown Arena, made the decision not to allow anyone to stay on its property overnight.

Gates were expected to be locked, preventing anyone from parking in arena parking lots, the sheriff said.

Gates should be open today by about 7 a.m., Sheriff Strength said.

Robert "Flash" Gordon, arena general manager, said he wants people to get to the service early but said that it would be "tacky" to camp out for a funeral as if it was a concert.

Frances Howard considered staying out all night to ensure getting to see Mr. Brown one last time but understood the concerns. She was among about 100 people who gathered around Mr. Brown's statue in downtown Augusta on Friday night.

"His music means freedom to me," Ms. Howard said. "I think if it wasn't for James Brown, there wouldn't be me."

His music was an anthem, a bold message to a generation, Bernard Gaddist, of Columbia, said.

"It takes a lot for an artist to get up on a stage and lift up an entire race."

And his messages of empowerment and motivation have lifted up people of all races, Mr. Gaddist said while visiting the impromptu memorial around Mr. Brown's statue.

Sheriff Strength urged anyone not needing to be downtown to avoid the area near the arena today.