It’s a new year! The slate has been wiped clean, and the confetti has been swept. Some of us are eager for what the new year has to offer. Others are still dazed with the ending of 2019.
As we reflect on our bidding it farewell, we decided to share this with you, our small role in such a grand event, the New Year’s Eve Ball drop in Times Square.
As the world watches performers ring in the new year with them, so much comes into play when organizing such a significant event. The Times Square Association prepares for it with top-notch security, (we’re talking FBI agents here), the assistance of the NY York Permits Office, and the aid of sponsors who help bring the entertainers on board to create unforgettable moments.
For us over at On Time, we are a crucial part for the streaming teams and performers. As you know, we provide the hubs for stars and production teams. We are in the heart of it all at 46th and Broadway, right smack in the center of the action. It got us wondering: how did this all begin?
NYE History
The New Year’s Eve Ball drop made its first descent in 1907. At that first event, the 700-pound, wood-and-iron ball dazzled the crowd with its 100 25-watt light bulbs. Waiters from the surrounding eateries wore battery-powered top hats with “1908” blazoned on their foreheads.
Revelers have gathered in Times Square every year since then, and with the exceptions of 1942 and 1943 (when wartime “dimouts” prohibited bright lights), the ball has dropped to great acclaim.
What does a ball dropping have to do with New Year’s Eve? Glad you asked. Back in 1833, a “time-ball” was installed on top of England’s Royal Observatory in Greenwich. At 1:00 every afternoon, the ball would drop, allowing the captains of nearby ships to precisely set their chronometers, which allowed them to navigate with confidence.
Following Greenwich’s lead, jurisdictions around the world started installing time-balls. Of the 150 once in existence, few remain today, although the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C., still drops one from a flagpole at noon daily. With a bit of historical perspective, let’s return to the present.
Preparation for NYE
Prep for us begins the day before as the streets start to close for the big event. The NYPD is on hand, making sure security points are correctly handled and keeping an eye on the area. With an estimated one million people attending NYE at Times Square, security couldn’t be more critical.
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Deputy Commissioner for Counter-Terrorism John Miller said, “Times Square is probably going to be the safest place on the planet Earth on New Year’s Eve,” in an interview with ABC. Security measures included installing blocker cars and sand trucks at intersections and assigning police officers to every hotel in the area. Drones, aircraft, and canine units all surveilled for anything suspicious.
Traffic closures take place as necessary, depending on the crowds. Performers arrive earlier in the day, so they’re prepped and ready to perform at their scheduled time. Some entertainers perform just once during the evening; others make multiple appearances throughout the night. It’s hard to conceptualize the number of hours of preparation that go into this event when you consider the time spent on logistics, practice, travel, and even the preparations made by each attendee.
New Year’s Eve!
At long last, 6:00 PM arrives, and it’s time to party. The festivities begin with the raising of the New Year’s Eve Ball atop One Times Square. The switch gets flipped, and the ball wows the crowd as it shimmers and glows.
By 6:04, host Jonathan Bennett had taken the mic and was announcing the line-up. From Chinese cultural performances and the Village People to LL Cool J and Alanis Morisette, the stage was a non-stop showcase of global talent. Behind the scenes, an army of stylists, managers, security personnel, and organizers kept everyone on time and fresh for their moment in the spotlight.
At the stroke of Midnight, the lights on the New Year’s Eve Ball went out as the numerals “2020” appeared above Times Square. Three thousand pounds of confetti burst in the air and excitement fills the streets. When the singing and dancing subsides, revelers eventually start drifting away from Times Square, but the action doesn’t stop.
The Aftermath
In fact, for many people, midnight is when the action begins. A veritable hive of activity hums all night long to get the city back on her feet for the dawning of January 1. From cleaning up the confetti to restoring proper traffic flows, hundreds of people work until sunrise.
It’s a privilege to assist with such an undertaking. Every year, we look forward to participating in one of the world’s most celebrated events, New Year’s Eve in Times Square. Such an event takes incredible planning, and we love making sure that our part is painstakingly perfect.
We’d also love to help you with your events in 2020. Whether you’re planning a video shoot, and company party, or a fashion show, we’ll help you to make it a success. Book early for the most extensive selection of luxury buses, rental equipment, and production services… We’re here to help you succeed. Have a beautiful and prosperous year!