Workers in Las Vegas pulled glittery suits and platinum records out of cardboard boxes Sunday ahead of what's being called the largest auction of Jackson family memorabilia ever.

Auction staff unpacked and displayed more than 1,100 lots, including rhinestone-studded costumes, faded documents and other mementoes at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. The items are expected to fetch millions of dollars from bidders from around the globe Wednesday and Thursday.

"This really is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence," said Arlan Ettinger, president of auction house Guernsey's.