Thousands of people are expected downtown Saturday night to ring in the New Year. All systems are go for Buffalo's 29th annual Ball Drop.
Cheers went up after a successful test run Thursday of the glittering ball that will be lowered from the Electric Tower tomorrow night. Mayor Byron Brown says every New Year the ball drop and fireworks display gets bigger, better and brighter than ever.
"This year the Skylighters have something very special in store for us. Every year they do something different. And this year is going to be no different. We're expecting some great, great fireworks," Brown said.
The festivities kick off at 10:30 P.M. with live music in Roosevelt Plaza. Buffalo Police, B District Chief, Joseph Gramaglia says, several streets in the area will be closed to vehicular traffic including Main Street, Washington, Huron, and Genesee Street. Gramaglia says Metro Rail will be available.
"And they're going to have trains set up for everyone when the ball drop is done. They will have trains in place to get everybody out of here. We've been working extensively with the NFTA Police," Gramaglia said.
Along with the Ball Drop, Brown says Rotary Rink will be open for ice skating. And the Convention Center is hosting the annual family-friendly First Night Buffalo celebration.