Buffalo, NY - City of Buffalo officials put the final touches on the 2023 Ball drop preparations outside the Iskalo
Development Electric Tower today in advance of Saturday night’s New Year’s Eve celebration in Roosevelt Plaza,
located at 535 Washington Street. As part of the annual test run, crews hoisted the specially designed New
Year’s Eve Ball to the top of the tower, testing the hundreds of special lights and the timing of the descent.
“Holiday traditions are important for families and children, and we’re looking forward to a safe and comfortable
New Year’s Eve celebration in Downtown Buffalo, particularly this year as we reflect on everything we’ve been
through together this past year,” said Mayor Byron W. Brown. “2022 was a rough year. From a racially motivated
act of domestic terrorism to our continued recovery from COVID, to two historic storms, including the recent
blizzard, we’ve been through a lot. Today I ask our community to join me and my family in reflecting on those
precious lives lost in a variety of different ways this year as we pray and for a more peaceful and fulfilling 2023
that further unites us and makes us even stronger.”
According to City officials, the streets in and around the Electric Tower are in good shape, with plow crews
continuing their snow hauling operation in that area today, and in neighborhoods citywide.
Mayor Brown continued, “We want holiday revelers to feel comfortable on New Year’s Eve, particularly if they
are headed downtown. Our small businesses and restaurants are ready to welcome them, especially those
business owners who have had a very difficult year. The Ball drop is an important economic shot in the arm for
them, which we hope kicks off a good year for all of our small businesses and restaurants.”
The 35th annual Buffalo Ball Drop is brought to you by Presenting Sponsor M&T Bank – in partnership with
Mayor Byron W. Brown and the City of Buffalo, Buffalo Place, and the Police Athletic League of Buffalo, Inc
(PAL). The celebration is an important fundraiser for the Police Athletic League of Buffalo.
With the generous support of dozens of sponsors and partners, festivities get underway with live entertainment,
as well as a fireworks display, on Saturday, December 31, 2022, beginning at 10:00 PM, at the Iskalo Development
Electric Tower, located at 535 Washington Street. Strictly Hip and Saxophonist Will Holton will provide
entertainment, courtesy of Uniland Development and Modern Disposal.
The presentation of the “Countdown to 2023” broadcast will be presented by 7WKBW, a co-sponsor of the
Ball Drop events since the first one in 1988 – when 97 Rock offered it as a gift to the city of Buffalo. D.J. Jickster
from 97 Rock will co-host the event with Good Morning, Buffalo Anchors Ed Drantch and Katie Morse, as well as
7News Anchor, Taylor Epps. 7WKBW’s broadcast will be live from downtown starting at 10pm. Be sure to watch
7WKBW Live on your favorite platform and be sure to join in the conversation on special New Year’s Eve edition
of Second Cup with Ed and Katie starting at 11:30pm on the 7WKBW app and Facebook Live!
Skylighters of WNY will shoot the fireworks show and choreograph it to classic rock and seasonal music favorites.
In an effort to provide reliable rides to and from the Buffalo Ball Drop, UBER is on board to help holiday revelers
get to and from the event easier than ever. 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. All Metro Bus and rail schedules can be found at http://metro.nfta.com/.
