New Year’s Eve Ball Tested Before Official Times Square Celebration

Co-Organizers, and Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy

Flip Switch to Illuminate and Raise 11,875-Pound Ball

**RSVP Required. Specific Time Slots Will Be Assigned**

In final preparation for New Year’s Eve, the iconic Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball will be illuminated and sent up the 130-foot pole atop One Times Square on Thursday, December 30th.

Due to COVID restrictions, viewing times will be staggered for media, between 11:00 AM ET and 2:00

PM ET. Press must RSVP in advance to receive a specific call time. Check-in will take place outside on

7th Ave. between 42nd and 43rd Streets.

Event co-organizers Jeffrey Straus, President of Countdown Entertainment, and Tom Harris, President of the Times Square Alliance, along with Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, will flip the giant switch to initiate the spectacular, kaleidoscope lighting effects, illuminated by 32,256 energy efficient LEDs and enhanced by 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles.

The Ball is capable of displaying a palette of more than 16 million vibrant colors and billions of patterns that creates the spectacular kaleidoscope effect atop One Times Square.

Carnival Cruise Line is the official cruise line sponsor of the Times Square New Year’s Eve Celebration.

For more information about Times Square New Year’s Eve, please visit www.TSQ.org/NYE.

WHAT: New Year’s Eve Ball Test

WHEN: Thursday, December 30

Viewing opportunities to be assigned, beginning at 11:00 AM ET.

WHERE: Atop One Times Square - Enter on 7th Avenue between 42nd and 43rd Streets

RSVP: Press MUST RSVP in advance to nhaberman@rubenstein.com

Upon confirmation of RSVP, a specific arrival time will be provided.

*The media opportunity will follow strict social distancing parameters. Attending media must wear masks.

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