arrow The 1980s NYE ball in Times Square Courtesy of the NYPL
While New Yorkers may avoid Times Square on New Year s Eve, for many Americans, the night is synonymous with Dick Clark, Times Square, and the iconic ball drop. Just ask the masses who gather at the base of One Times Square each year (though not this year), or the over one billion who watch the event’s live broadcast.
The ball drop tradition began in 1907, and from its very first outing until 1996, the design firm Artkraft Strauss constructed the ball and managed its operation. That first year, the New Year’s Eve ball was 700 pounds of iron and wood, studded with 100 lightbulbs.
2021 Has Arrived In Times Square
arrow 2021 is here! Jen Chung / Gothamist
Not since The Beatles landed in New York 56 years ago has an arrival been so anticipated: 2021 is here.
Physically, that is. The numbers arrived in Times Square on Monday morning ahead of what will be a historic ball drop on New Year s Eve. While New Yorkers will not be able to attend the big show, some have swung by to say hello to 2021 a little early.
Teresa Hui told Gothamist this is her 5th year visiting the numerals. I come to this because New Year s is very packed and crazy. it makes me feel proud to be a New Yorker, Hui said. I m so excited 2021 is coming. 2020 we thought was going be an amazing year, but we see how that turned out. I cannot wait for 2021, it s going to be an amazing year, I can feel it. Well, Hui just jinxed the hell out of next year.