COVID-19 is taking one final, iconic moment away from us in 2020.
For the first time in 114 years, there will be no crowd in Times Square on December 31st as the famous ball drop goes virtual. According to Times Square Media Alliance president Tim Tompkins, the event will feature scaled-back and socially distanced live elements and an extremely limited group of socially distanced, in-person honorees who "will reflect the themes, challenges and inspirations of 2020." The regular public will have to settle for watching from home.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement, "People all over the globe are ready to join New Yorkers in welcoming in the new year with the iconic ball drop...A new year means a fresh start and we’re excited to celebrate.”
The New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square is among the biggest in the world, typically drawing about 1 million attendees, with more than 1 billion more tuning in on television.
Photo: AFP/Getty Images