The 35th Annual Buffalo Ball Drop is still on, as Buffalo’s streets are being cleared of sporadic mounds of snow. Per usual, the ball drop will be held in the heart of downtown, at Iskalo Development’s The Electric Tower (535 Washington Street @ Roosevelt Plaza).
The event is being hosted and coordinated by the Police Athletic League of Buffalo (PAL), Buffalo Place, with support from Mayor Byron W. Brown, the Buffalo Police and Fire Departments, and the Department of Public Works. The Ball Drop is presented by M&T Bank.
“Holiday traditions are important for families and children, and we’re looking forward to another great and safe New Year’s Eve celebration in Downtown Buffalo on December 31st,” stated Mayor Brown. “As I look back on 2022, I am more grateful than ever to be a part of the Buffalo community. I knew there would be challenges ahead as we built back from the impact of the pandemic, but as a community, we also dealt with an historic snowstorm, the loss of loved ones and friends, and an act of domestic terrorism this past year, and through it all, we remained united. As we ring in 2023 together, let’s continue to show the world that in Buffalo we find strength and peace when we stand united and support one another through acts of love and kindness.”
The evening kicks off at 10pm on Saturday, December 31. Buffalo Place has the details:
The broadcast of the “Countdown to 2023” will be presented by 7WKBW, starting at 10pm
Strictly Hip will provide entertainment. Will Holton, will also return and perform
Skylighters of WNY will conduct the fireworks show, choreographed to classic rock and seasonal music favorites
Uber is participating, and a Ridesharing Zone will be set up on Pearl Street, between Huron and Chippewa.
Free parking is available at nearby Buffalo Civic Auto Ramps (Mohawk Ramp and Fernbach Ramp) courtesy of Mayor Byron W. Brown, The Buffalo Board of Parking and Buffalo Civic Auto Ramps. For directions to ramps, go to bcarparking.com
The ball drop serves as an annual fundraiser for PAL (part of its annual Giving Campaign), which is in place to offer year-round sports programs during the winter months, including Co-ed Basketball Leagues, Indoor Golf Lessons, Ice Skating and Ice Hockey Lessons on the new CAN ICE Skating Rink, Skiing & Snowboarding at Kissing Bridge, Saturday Sports Sampling Clinics, and the Winter Playstreets Outdoor Sports and Fitness program. PAL’s educational programs include Cooking Classes with free Weekly Meal Kits, After School Literacy and Homework Assistance programming, and opportunities for older students to take part in Workforce Development and College readiness programs that explore Social Justice. To learn more about how you can support PAL’s Holiday Giving Campaign, please visit: buffalopal.com/fundraising.
Nekia Kemp, Executive Director for Police Athletic League of Buffalo, stated, “This is an especially significant year at the Police Athletic League of Buffalo, Inc. PAL youth enrichment programs have grown exponentially, and our organization is gearing up for a busy winter season that will welcome many children and teens from the City of Buffalo and neighboring communities. On behalf of the PAL Board of Directors, chaired by Mayor Byron W. Brown, I am especially grateful to all of this season’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop sponsors for supporting our continued efforts to raise significant funds that will directly benefit PAL youth who take part in our year-round enrichment programs in safe City-wide recreation facilities in partnership with the Buffalo Police Department. It is an honor to ring in the New Year with so many wonderful people, who help make our community a great place to live, work, invest and raise a family.”
Douglas Jemal, Founder and President of Douglas Development Corporation, stated, “On behalf of the Douglas Development Corporation, I could not be more ecstatic to support Mayor Brown and the City of Buffalo’s NYE Ball Drop and Fireworks. 2023 will prove to be another milestone year for downtown Buffalo and we at Douglas Development are honored to be part of the Queen City’s resurgence. Our team can’t wait to ring in the new year in Roosevelt Plaza as a proud community in the heart of downtown Buffalo.”
The Ball Drop event is free to attend. For those who wish not to drive, the Metro Rail is another handy and reliable form of transportation.
Presenting Sponsor: M&T Bank
Illumination Stage Sponsor: Roswell Park – Comprehensive Cancer Care
Deluxe Media Sponsors: Douglas Development, Frey Electric, AAA Western and Central New York, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, Uber Technologies, Big Ditch Brewing Company, and Try-It Distributing
Entertainment Stage Sponsors: Modern, Uniland, Niagara Frontier Automobile Dealers Association
Click here for additional Buffalo BallDrop details.
The post 35th Annual Buffalo Ball Drop appeared first on Buffalo Rising.