BUFFALO (WBEN) - Buffalo is gearing up for the 32nd annual New Year's Eve ball drop, which will again take place in Roosevelt Plaza outside of the Electric Tower.
The annual New Year's Eve ball test drop goes off without a hitch. Thousands of people are expected in Roosevelt Plaza on Tuesday to celebrate. @NewsRadio930 pic.twitter.com/hVQDiQz1mr
— Brendan Keany (@BrendanKeany) December 27, 2019
"They were saying that in Buffalo, we were warmer than Las Vegas, and we were warmer than San Diego," said Buffalo Place Executive Director Michael Schmand. "I'm going to tell you - on New Year's Eve, we're going to be hotter than any place else because this place is going to be rocking."
The ball drop will feature performances by Tommy Z and the All Star Band, as well as saxophonist Will Holton. The show begins at 10 p.m. and will conclude with the ball drop and a fireworks display at midnight.
With the weather unusually mild for this time of year, B-District Police Chief Dawn Kent expects a lot of people to attend, but she added that the department has been planning for the event months in advance and that nothing is likely to catch them off-guard in terms of volume.
"We had warm weather last year too...but we were well-staffed," she said. "We have a good police presence; we plan for this months in advance, and we also work with our state, local and federal partners to look at any issues that we may have - but right now, we're good."
Free parking is available at the nearby Fernbach and Turner Auto Ramps, and a ridesharing zone will be set up on Pearl Street between Huron and Chippewa.
