Times Square ball/ New Year’s Eve countdown/ crystal triangles installation/ Times Square tradition/ iconic ball drop/ NEW YORK/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The iconic Times Square New Year’s Eve ball received its final crystal triangle installations on Friday, completing its first full refurbishment in a decade. The 11,875-pound sphere will mark the start of 2025, continuing a tradition dating back to 1907. Notable attendees, including Pitbull and Joy Mangano, joined the event.
Times Square Ball Refurbishment: Quick Looks
- Completion: All 2,688 crystal triangles on the ball were replaced for the first time in 10 years.
- Historical Significance: The tradition began in 1907 with a 700-pound iron-and-wood ball.
- Notable Attendees: Rapper Pitbull and inventor Joy Mangano participated in the ceremony.
- Modern Details: The current ball weighs 11,875 pounds and drops from One Times Square.
- World War II Pause: The ball drop was canceled in 1942 and 1943 due to “dimout” regulations.
Times Square Prepares Iconic Crystal Ball for New Year’s Eve
Deep Look: Times Square Ball Fully Refurbished for New Year’s Eve
The Times Square New Year’s Eve ball, a symbol of celebration watched by millions globally, received its final crystal triangle installations on Friday, marking the first complete replacement of all 2,688 pieces in a decade.
Rapper Pitbull and inventor Joy Mangano were among those helping event organizers place the last triangles on the massive geodesic sphere atop One Times Square. This moment marks a pivotal milestone in the preparation for the 2025 countdown, as the ball prepares to drop in front of revelers in New York City and a global audience via live broadcasts.
The Ball’s Evolution Over a Century
The Times Square ball drop tradition began in 1907, spearheaded by immigrant metalworker Jacob Starr. The original ball, constructed of iron and wood, weighed 700 pounds, measured 5 feet in diameter, and was lit by 100 25-watt bulbs. Since then, six iterations of the ball have been introduced, each incorporating modern technology and design improvements.
The current version of the ball is a stunning 11,875-pound sphere covered in thousands of Waterford crystal triangles. These elements create dazzling patterns when illuminated, symbolizing themes like unity and hope.
A Pause in Tradition During Wartime
The only times the ball drop was skipped were in 1942 and 1943, during World War II. To comply with wartime “dimout” regulations aimed at protecting the city from potential attacks, New Yorkers instead marked the new year with moments of silence followed by chimes from the base of One Times Square.
New Year’s Eve 2025 Preparations
This year’s ball drop is expected to draw massive crowds to Times Square and attract millions of viewers worldwide. The newly refurbished ball symbolizes resilience and renewal, continuing its legacy as a centerpiece of global New Year celebrations.
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