New Year’s Eve Ball Drop: History, Hosting, and Impact on Tourism
New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration and reflection, and one of the most iconic traditions associated with this holiday is the ball drop in Times Square. For 134 years, people have gathered to watch the giant crystal ball descend from its pedestal, signaling the start of a new year.
The History of the Ball Drop
The idea for the ball drop originated in 1905, when American artist Jacob Stahl suggested a new way to celebrate New Year’s Eve. His design featured a large metal sphere that would be lowered down a wire at midnight, signaling the start of a new year. The first ball drop took place on January 1, 1906, in St. Petersburg, Florida, and was an instant success.
In 1912, the Times Square ball drop became one of the most iconic events in American culture, attracting millions of people each year and broadcasting live around the world. Since then, the ball drop has become one of the most iconic events in American culture, attracting millions of people each year and broadcasting live around the world.
Who is Hosting the Ball Drop in 2020?
So who exactly is hosting the ball drop in 2020? The answer may surprise you – it’s actually a company called Countdown Entertainment, which has been producing and managing the event since 1987. Countdown Entertainment is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the event, including the selection and placement of the crystal ball, the timing of the descent, and the production and broadcast of the live broadcast.
Countdown Entertainment also works closely with several other companies to make the ball drop a success. For example, they partner with Dick Clark Productions to produce and broadcast the live New Year’s Eve countdown show from Times Square. This show features popular musicians and celebrities, as well as special guests and surprises.
Another important partner in the ball drop is the City of New York. The city has been a key supporter of the event since its inception and works closely with Countdown Entertainment to ensure that the ball drop runs smoothly and safely each year. This includes coordinating traffic control, security measures, and other logistical details.
The Impact of the Ball Drop on Tourism
The New Year’s Eve ball drop has a significant impact on tourism in Times Square and New York City as a whole. Millions of people from around the world come to witness the event live, and many more tune in to watch it on television. This influx of visitors generates billions of dollars in revenue for local businesses, hotels, and restaurants.
In addition, the ball drop has become a symbol of hope and unity for people all over the world. The tradition of watching the crystal ball descend from its pedestal at midnight has become a way for people to come together and celebrate the start of a new year, despite any challenges or hardships they may be facing.
Case Studies: Hosting the Ball Drop in 2019
To get a better understanding of what it takes to host the New Year’s Eve ball drop, let’s take a look at some case studies from the 2019 event.
One of the most important aspects of hosting the ball drop is selecting and placing the crystal ball. In 2019, Countdown Entertainment chose a new crystal ball design, which featured a modern, sleek look with intricate patterns etched into its surface. The ball was placed on a pedestal in Times Square, where it remained until the moment of descent.
Another key aspect of the ball drop is coordinating the timing of the descent.
