The New Year’s Eve Ball Drop will once again return to downtown Buffalo.
City leaders along with corporate sponsors on Wednesday announced the 32nd iteration of the annual event, which Mayor Byron Brown said has become ingrained into the culture of The Queen City.
“The ball drop has become a tradition for so many families in our community,” said Brown. “I want to thank one of our great partners, one of our longest partners, Buffalo Place, for teaming up with the City of Buffalo and Police Athletic League, as well as our many new and returning sponsors from the Buffalo business community.”
Buffalo Place Executive Director Michael Schmand said the downtown area has seen a lot of changes since that first ball drop more than three decades ago.
“Thirty-two years ago if you came to downtown Buffalo, it was totally different. I think there was maybe a handful of restaurants,” said Schmand. “These days from this location on New Year’s Eve before you come to the great ball drop, there’s over 70 restaurants and bars you can come to within walking distance.”
As in the past, the ball drop will center around the Iskalo Electric Tower at Roosevelt Plaza. Event goers can enjoy free parking at the city-owned Fernbach and Turner ramps. Festivities kickoff at 10:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and will include fireworks, local food and drink and live musical performances from several local acts.
