Times Square New Year’s Eve organizers say event will go virtual, no crowd on scene
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New York City's Times Square will look very different on New Year's Eve this year.
On any given year, the so-called "Crossroads of the World" is packed to the gills with people excited to ring in the new year as broadcasts play host to musical entertainment and the like.
But with 2020 unlike any given year due to the coronavirus -- among other things -- this year's event will reflect that.
In a statement provided to Fox News by the event's organizers, Times Square Alliance President Tim Tompkins said the event will go virtual and will not host the usual raucous crowd of revelers.
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Times Square in New York City usually hosts a massive New Year's Eve celebration, but due to coronavirus, the event will largely be virtual this year. (Associated Press)
The event will, however, include "scaled-back and socially distanced live elements still to be determined, and an extremely limited group of in-person honorees, socially distanced, who will reflect the themes, challenges and inspirations of 2020."
“One thing that will never change is the ticking of time and the arrival of a New Year at midnight on December 31st,” said Tompkins. “But this year there will be significantly new and enhanced virtual, visual and digital offerings to complement whatever limited live entertainment or experiences – still in development – will take place in Times Square."
He reiterated that any live events that take place will be available virtually.
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"Because more than ever in these divided and fear-filled times, the world desperately needs to come together symbolically and virtually to celebrate the people and things we love and to look forward with a sense of renewal and new beginnings," Tompkins said.
Jamestown, owner of One Times Square -- the building where the famous ball drop takes place -- "has built the virtual world of Times Square and a complementary broadcast app to allow everyone to experience Times Square and celebrate with us in these unusual times."