Times Square’s Iconic ‘Ball Drop’ Gets Ready To Shine With 192 ‘Wisdom’ Crystals
We’re just a few days away from New Year’s Eve, and the centerpiece of New York City’s ‘NYE Ball Drop’ just received a makeover with tons of new bling to ensure it stays sparkly for the fast-approaching event.
For those who aren’t familiar with the crystal-covered ball, it was first created by the Irish House of Waterford, which specializes in crystal homeware and goods. According to Robb Report, the piece, which measures 12 feet in diameter and weighs over 11,000 pounds, comprises nearly 2,700 crystal triangles bolted to 672 LED modules.
As is tradition, Waterford added 192 new crystal panels to the ball from its ‘Greatest Gifts’ collection. This year, it included the ‘Gift of Wisdom’ design—the ninth in the entire series—following ‘Gift of Happiness’ which ushered in 2021.
“We’re here today replacing 192 of the Waterford crystal triangles on that ball behind me with a new design, ‘the Gift of Wisdom’. It’s represented by a wheel with these petals of knowledge growing ever forward,” Jeffrey Strauss, President of Countdown Entertainment, told Reuters.
Unfortunately, if you’re planning to head down in person to witness the ball drop, there are restrictions on the number of visitors allowed for the second year running, no doubt thanks to the pandemic.
Typically, 60,000 attendees would be allowed to celebrate the festivities in person, but this year’s attendance is capped at a maximum of 15,000 people. Visitors will also only be allowed to enter from 3pm, with proof of vaccination and face masks compulsory.
Not wanting the spirit of the holidays to be dampened, Strauss noted that everyone else could attend the celebrations virtually. He said: “We’re going to have more than a billion revelers around the world joining us on TV and on the internet celebrating.”
“It’s the one moment where we all come together, even if it’s just for 60 seconds as we countdown towards 2022.”
Do these crystals make me look wise??
— Times Square Ball (@timessquareball) December 27, 2021
I got 192 brand new #waterford crystals installed today, featuring this year’s design “the gift of wisdom” 🧠pic.twitter.com/mhvBXEybZF
[via Robb Report, images via Times Square NYC]
