Story by Brad Balfour
Photo: Brad Balfour
A new lighting display pattern for the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball was revealed for the first time on Wednesday, December 27, at One Times Square, just days before the iconic celebration. This year’s celebratory design features a special bowtie pattern created in partnership with Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the globally anticipated luxury resort and casino that opened on the Las Vegas Strip on Dec. 13, 2023.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas and Times Square share a bond with the iconic bowtie. Times Square, once known as “The Bowtie,” is formed by two triangles coming together in the shape of a bowtie, while Fontainebleau Las Vegas’ ties to the shape harken back to Morris Lapidus, the original architect of sister property Fontainebleau Miami Beach. Lapidus was known for always donning the accessory, the ultimate symbol and statement of luxury, which he incorporated elegantly in his design, and it can now be seen throughout Fontainebleau resorts.
The new bowtie lighting pattern shining atop One Times Square reflects the shape of the streets below at the Crossroads of the World. This New Year’s Eve, for the first time, after the traditional “New York, New York”, the Ball will be re-lit featuring the new bowtie lighting pattern and rise up the pole to reach its perch above the 2024 numerals where the Ball sparkles like a jewel in the sky above Times Square throughout the year.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas is not only bringing the bowtie back to Times Square, but also the legendary singer and songwriter Paul Anka, whose ties to the Fontainebleau brand go all the way back to the 1950s at the original property in Miami. He will be performing a new version of his hit song “My Way” and John Lennon’s “Imagine” just before the sixty-second countdown to midnight.
After midnight, Fontainebleau Las Vegas is adding a special surprise video appearance and performance to honor Fontainebleau’s 70th anniversary and the new year, 2024. Prior to midnight, Fontainebleau Las Vegas is providing fun 2024 bowtie-shaped eyeglasses and a commemorative chip to the revelers in Times Square.
The Ball is a geodesic sphere, 12 feet in diameter, and weighs 11,875 pounds. It’s covered with a total of 2,688 crystal triangles that vary in size, and range in length from 4 ¾ inches to 5 ¾ inches per side. Each crystal triangle has a special sparkling pattern. 192 crystal triangles are the Gift of Love design of overlapping hearts entwined together symbolizing love for family and friends. 192 are the Gift of Wisdom design of a central wheel with wedge cut petals of knowledge growing ever forward. 192 are the Gift of Happiness design of a sunburst of bright cuts radiating outward like a beautiful sunny day brings warm smiles and happiness. 192 are the Gift of Goodwill design of three pineapples signifying the traditional symbol of hospitality and goodwill. 192 are the Gift of Harmony design of small rosette cuts flowing into each other in beautiful harmony. 192 are the Gift of Serenity design of butterflies flying peacefully above a crystal meadow capturing the spirit of serenity.
192 are the Gift of Kindness design of a circle of rosettes symbolizing unity with the fronds reaching out in an expression of kindness. 192 are the Gift Of Wonder design of a faceted starburst inspiring our sense of wonder. 192 are the Gift of Fortitude design of diamond cuts on either side of a crystal pillar to represent the inner attributes of resolve, courage and spirit necessary to triumph over adversity. The remaining 960 Gift of Imagination triangles are a series of intricate wedge cuts that are mirrored reflections of each other inspiring our imagination. The 2,688 crystal triangles are bolted to 672 LED modules which are attached to the aluminum frame of the Ball.
The Ball is illuminated by 32,256 LEDs (light emitting diodes). Each LED module contains 48 LEDs – 12 red, 12 blue, 12 green, and 12 white for a total of 8,064 of each color. The Ball is capable of displaying a palette of more than 16 million vibrant colors and billions of patterns that creates a spectacular kaleidoscope effect atop One
Times Square. The first New Year’s Eve Ball lowering celebration atop One Times Square was in 1907.