NYC to drop “biggest” New Year’s Eve ball yet

There are cities in the world that are synonymous with ringing in the New Year with fanfare and style. One of them is New York City.

There are cities in the world that are synonymous with ringing in the New Year with fanfare and style. One of them is New York City.

This year, New York City has decided to up the ante by doubling the size of its famed Times Square New Year’s Eve ball. To be precise, the new ball measures 12-foot-high, 11,875-pound New Year’s Ball (double the size of previous balls), and will be covered in 2,668 Waterford crystals and powered by 32,356 Philips LUXEON Rebel LED lights.

NYC & Company, the city’s marketing, tourism and partnership organization, said: “The new ball will create a spectacular and colorful kaleidoscope effect atop One Times Square. Beyond the exciting countdown moment featuring the new ball, arts and cultural organizations plan to roll out unique entertainment options for visitors and residents to enjoy.”

“New York City is an iconic destination to visit on New Year’s Eve,” said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company, the City’s marketing, tourism and partnership organization. “This year’s new ball reflects the vibrancy and excitement of New York City itself. In addition, we have great performing arts options and hotel packages to encourage visitors and residents to choose New York City as the place to be on December 31.”

The best viewing points for the ball drop are along Broadway, from 43rd Street to 50th Street, and along Seventh Avenue, as far north as 59th Street. At approximately 6:00 pm, the ball will be raised to the top of the flagpole and lit. At exactly 11:59 pm, the ball will begin its 60-second descent down the flagpole to signal the start of the New Year.

After making its debut on New Year’s Eve, the new ball will be on permanent display atop One Times Square. Visitors will now have one more reason to visit the “Crossroads of the World” throughout the year.

Alternatively, hotels throughout the city are also putting their best foot forward to offer New Year’s packages and dining options that will entice even the most discriminating traveler. Visit www.nycgo.com for to find out what NYC & Company, has assembled a roster of activities to encourage visitors and locals to take advantage of what the City has to offer on Dec. 31.
According to Chris Heywood of the NYC & Company, the most heavily visited time to visit NYC is the period between Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays into New Year’s. However, he was quick to point out that he doesn’t have predictions for how many people are expected on New Year’s.

Further he said: “We’re not immune to the effects of the recession, but we believe we will be perform better than a lot of other destinations. Our hotel occupancies and room rates are the highest in the nation and in many cases, significantly higher than our competition.”

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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