Watch CBS News

Detroit To Celebrate New Year's Eve With Ball Drop

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) –- Making last-minute New Year's Eve plans? This year, Detroit will once again have its own New York City-style ball drop.

"The Drop" will happen New Year's Eve at the Compuware Atrium and Hard Rock Café with fancy food, musical entertainment and a "technological marvel" of a ball to be lowered at midnight in celebration of a new year.

The ball drop itself is going to be a spectacle, said Tony Piraino, co-founder of the event. The composition of the ball will be a surprise, but Piraino promises it will be "fantastic."

"As we go into our third year, our guests can continue to expect an experience un-rivaled in Michigan. 'The Drop' has always been about the community and ultimately offering the region a proper New Year's Eve celebration," says event organizer Jerrid Mooney. "We are insanely focused on producing a bigger and better event this year and I'm pleased to announce that we are on-track to do just that."

Erik and Israel Nordin of the Detroit Design Center are creating this year's art piece of a ball that is described as "symbolically and literally" descending upon the city during the countdown. "Our guests of course can choose to be a part of the premier VIP Gala inside the elegant atrium of Compuware or they can join us outside at Campus Martius and help us bring in the New Year with the community at large," Mooney said.

In addition, musical entertainment will be provided by DJ Tom T, DJ Bruce Bailey, DJ Vin. Food will be catered by The Whitney and their talented culinary staff, plus complimentary cocktails throughout the evening.

Finally, and in the holiday spirit of giving and true celebration of community – attendees are encouraged to bring a brand new fresh pair of mittens to the event for Mittens For Detroit.

"'The Drop' has been designed to be that other positive bookend to the holiday season and to offer up a new tradition for all of our shared aspirations and the collective optimism for our future as we celebrate the coming New Year," Mooney said.

The inside of the event is only for those 21 and over, beginning at 9 p.m. and running until 4 a.m. -- but all ages are welcome outside to experience the festivities at midnight. Single tickets start at $100 with VIP Cabanas starting at $160 per person. Tickets are available at www.motorcitynye.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.