CLICK PLAY FOR COMPLETE INFO ON THE UPDATED SCHEDULE DUE TO WEATHER
About
The epic, New Year’s Eve event is back for its second year! The event is planned for December 31 from 7pm until midnight and again the city’s first-of-its-kind New Year’s Eve BALL DROP. The event will feature music, fireworks, a countdown to 2018 paired with a visually spectacular large-scale constructed BALL by a team of local engineers enthusiastic about bringing this event to life! The 8 ft. in diameter, low-poly ball will be covered in translucent acrylic plastic, and will be lit with over 380,000 lumens of LEDs.The ball will be hoisted 80 feet over the corner of Baker and Ewing St., and lowered by crane as the New Year rings in.
Best of all, the event is FREE & ALL Ages thanks to many of our local businesses.
FREE & ALL AGES THANKS TO THESE CONTRIBUTORS
Location
Parkview Field’s Silver Parking Lot
The Ball will drop at the corner of Ewing St & W Brackenridge St. The VIP and Sponsor area will overlook the site within the Suite Level Lounge at Parkview Field.
Those excited about seeing both the Ball Drop and fireworks can park and ring in the new year. It’s encouraged to arrive around 10:30 PM as there may be an influx of traffic looking for spots to park. However, due to the bitterly cold weather and concerns about the safety of attendees, the live entertainment such as bands and food trucks has been canceled.
Click on the areas within the map below for more information
PARKING MAP TO VIEW THE BALL DROP
Those excited about seeing both the Ball Drop and fireworks can park and ring in the new year. It’s encouraged to arrive around 10:30 PM as there may be an influx of traffic looking for spots to park. However, due to the bitterly cold weather and concerns about the safety of attendees, the live entertainment such as bands and food trucks has been canceled.
COMPLETE DOWNTOWN PARKING OPTIONS
Updated Schedule Due to Weather
All Lots Open for Families to Park (In front of Parkview Field)
10:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Recommended Time for Attendees to Begin Parking In the 3 Lots In Front of Parkview Field
It's encouraged to begin parking between 10 - 11 PM in case traffic builds up
The 8 ft. in diameter, low-poly ball will be covered in translucent acrylic plastic, and will be lit with over 380,000 lumens of LEDs.The ball will be hoisted 80 feet over the corner of Baker and Ewing St., and lowered by crane as the New Year rings in.
Best of all, the event is FREE & ALL Ages thanks to many of our local businesses.
Sponsors
This event is FREE & ALL Ages thanks to Steel Dynamics (SDI) and Glenbrook Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram FIAT. Their commitment to the community ensures that 100% of the community is invited to this growing tradition.
In addition to these two major contributors, these other local organizations and businesses helped to make the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop happen.
Official Broadcasting Partner
Crane donated by Central Rent-a-Crane!
Because of contributions like this, the event is FREE & ALL AGES.
Official Radio Partner.
Because of their donated efforts the event is FREE & ALL AGES.
RV Donated By:
Because of their donated efforts the event is FREE & ALL AGES.
FAQ
***The Ball Drop and Fireworks Go On! But See the Update of Plans Due to Weather**
Fireworks and the NEWLY Designed BALL will still drop at the stroke of midnight. However, due to the bitterly cold weather and concerns about the safety of attendees, the live entertainment such as bands and food trucks has been canceled.
To adjust, the three parking lots in front of Parkview Field will be opened for the general public. Those excited about seeing both the Ball Drop and fireworks can park and ring in the new year. It’s encouraged to arrive around 10:30 PM as there may be an influx of traffic looking for spots to park.
Plans remain the same for those who purchased tickets to the Official Indoor Gala set to take place in the Suite Level Lounge at Parkview Field.
See the UPDATED SCHEDULE DUE TO WEATHER Above (or CLICK HERE)
The Ball Drop is FREE & ALL AGES thanks to our Sponsors and Collaborators and the location will be at Parkview Field’s Silver Parking Lot on the corner of Ewing St & W Brackenridge St.
However, the adjustment made for weather is as follows…
The three parking lots in front of Parkview Field will be opened for the general public. Those excited about seeing both the Ball Drop and fireworks can park and ring in the new year. It’s encouraged to arrive around 10:30 PM as there may be an influx of traffic looking for spots to park.
Yes! We are pleased to announce that immediately following last year’s inaugural event a group of local engineers offered to design and fabricate a visually spectacular large-scale ball allowing for a transition from a digital ball and a larger than life experience to ring in the 2018 New Year. The 8 ft. in diameter, low-poly ball will be covered in translucent acrylic plastic, and will be lit with over 380,000 lumens of LEDs.The ball will be hoisted 80 feet over the corner of Baker and Ewing St., and lowered by crane as the New Year rings in.
The fireworks will be safely managed by Melrose Pyrotechnics, Inc., the number one choice in local fireworks display companies, with award winning expertise. They will launch at the strike of midnight and last around 3-5 minutes.
The mission of our city’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop is to give Fort Wayne an epic, fun and safe place to celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of the New Year with family, friends and loved ones. The mission is driven by a passion to encourage Fort Wayne residents to celebrate all that this great city has to offer.
Yes and due to this year’s bitterly cold weather planned for December 31,2018 below are the adjusted plans.
Please PARK and remain in your cars to catch the Ball Drop and Fireworks at Midnight. Due to the bitterly cold weather and concerns about the safety of attendees, the live entertainment such as bands and food trucks has been canceled.
To adjust, the three parking lots in front of Parkview Field will be opened for the general public. Those excited about seeing both the Ball Drop and fireworks can park and ring in the new year. It’s encouraged to arrive around 10:30 PM as there may be an influx of traffic looking for spots to park.
Plans remain the same for those who purchased tickets to the Official Indoor Gala set to take place in the Suite Level Lounge at Parkview Field.Below is additional information on the weather leading to this update in plans this year’s event.
The outlook for New Year’s Eve night continues to call for bitterly cold weather in Fort Wayne that may be dangerous for attendees. Right now, it looks as if temperatures may be just a few degrees above zero when festivities would begin and then fall to zero (or possibly even a few degrees below zero) by the time the ball drops at midnight. Combine that with the potential for a 5-10 mph breeze and wind chills could be in the -10F to -20F range. With wind chills like that, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Even if attendees and Ball Drop staff would dress in layers and take steps to stay warm, the extreme weather conditions outside could still be dangerous – especially since this event is spread out over several hours. The Ball Drop Committee has a responsibility to our attendees and staff first and foremost, therefore, we’ve adjusted to allow attendees to park and watch from the comfort of their vehicles.
Stay Warm
Here are some tips to keep warm at the Fort Wayne NYE Ball Drop:
Warm winter wear is wise
The average low temperature in Fort Wayne on Dec. 31 each year is 28 degrees Fahrenheit, so once the sun sets, it’s likely you’ll need to rely on your winter wear strategy to stay as comfortable as possible.
Base layers made of wool, silk or polypropylene hold more body heat than cotton, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Wearing several layers of loose-fitting clothing can allow you to regulate your internal temperature – take off a few layers when you feel you’re getting too hot and sweaty. Excess perspiration can lead to increased heat loss.
Water-resistant boots are a must, but keep in mind your comfort when you choose your shoes. Once you’re in position at the Silver Lot at Parkview Field, you’re probably not moving very far for hours. An extra pair of warm socks stashed in your pocket or purse may be a lifesaver if the ones you are wearing get wet or too sweaty.
Your coat should be tightly woven, water-repellent and hooded, according to the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
Accessorize with purpose
Hats, scarves and gloves will add a little individuality or a pop of color to your outdoor fashion look, but these accessories also protect vulnerable parts of your body from wind or frigid air, and they can make all the difference when you’re outside for the long haul.
However, experts say mittens are warmer than gloves because your fingers transfer heat when they’re next to each other.
Either way, your extremities might benefit from instant warmers that can slide into gloves, mittens, shoes or coat and provide several hours of continuous warmth. An old-fashioned blanket can keep you and your neighbors snuggled together and comfortable.
Photo Credit Tim Herald (@come_take_a_walk_with_me)
Be aware of dehydration, frostbite, hypothermia
Keep in mind that Parkview Field and other licensed food and beverage vendors will be offering beer, wine, hot chocolate, soft drinks, water, food etc in the viewing area that day.
A challenge will be balancing hydration and water intake against the need to use a bathroom. There will be portable public restrooms in the viewing area. Keep in mind, dehydration can occur in cold weather because of sweating, breathing and increased urine production, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Frostbite and hypothermia are serious illnesses associated with extremely low temperatures, so seek medical help if you are experiencing numbness or are shivering for an extended period of time, as reported by experts at the Department of Homeland Security’s Ready.gov website.
This article’s information was provided thanks to a great article for the New York Ball Drop by accuweather.com (here)
VIP Gala
For those who prefer to stay warm most of the night but still catch the FREE & ALL AGES BALL DROP, we’ve got a solution!
The Fort Wayne New Year’s Eve Ball Drop has teamed up with Parkview Field’s Suite Level Lounge, a 5,000+ square foot multi-use room with an upscale built-in bar featuring an exceptional view of Parkview Field and the Fort Wayne skyline.
Note: While this is the”Official Indoor Gala” of the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop the actual Ball Drop located on Parkview Field’s Silver Parking Lot on the corner of Ewing St & W Brackenridge St. is FREE and ALL AGES. This VIP section overlooks the festivities and these tickets will be limited
Buy Tickets Here
Hotel Special
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Wayne
5915 Ellison Road
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804
5915 Ellison Road
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804
NYE Package DEAL:
Executive Suite King or Double,
Shuttle Service to and from Parkview Field,
Complimentary Breakfast
December 31, 2017 for 1 night
$94.00 Per Room
CLICK HERE TO BOOK
About the Hotel
Enjoy Hotel’s Location in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Situated in the upscale village of Coventry, just off I-69 and US 24 in southwest Fort Wayne, IN, this hotel’s premium accommodations promise travelers exceptional service and unbeatable hospitality. Just minutes from the area’s most popular businesses and attractions, the Holiday Inn Express® Hotel Fort Wayne is your ideal home away from home.
Food Trucks
Ziffles Zip n Go
Ziffles Zip n Go
Sweets so Geek
Sweets so Geek
Amanda Lee Coffee
Amanda Lee Coffee
Big Apple Pizza
Big Apple Pizza
Head 2 Hock
Head 2 Hock
Byall and Sons Concessions
Byall and Sons Concessions
Contact
Please feel free to get in touch via the form below, we will get back to you as soon as possible.
We are looking forward to hearing from you.
The Indoor Gala Official Schedule & Dress Code
Below is the complete schedule for those who bought tickets to The Official Indoor Gala for the Ft Wayne NYE Ball Drop (21+). These are the activities that will occur inside of the Parkview Field Suite Level Lounge. This Gala is Officially Sold out!
The adjusted schedule for the FREE & ALL ages outdoor festivities can be found under Schedule: CLICK HERE
All Lots Open for Families to Park (In front of Parkview Field)
DJ Lübs will be spinning your favorite music and keeping the room live!
8:59 PM
Countdown Until Next Hour
Each hour will be a countdown and reminder of how many hours are left until midnight.
WANE-TV hosts will be hosting Gala attendee contests for some great prizes!
DJ Lübs will be spinning your favorite music and keeping the room live!
9:59 PM
Countdown Until Next Hour
Each hour will be a countdown and reminder of how many hours are left until midnight.
WANE-TV hosts will be hosting Gala attendee contests for some great prizes!
DJ Lübs will be spinning your favorite music and keeping the room live!
10:59 PM
Countdown Until Next Hour
Each hour will be a countdown and reminder of how many hours are left until midnight.
11:00 PM
Attendee Dance-Off for a prize
WANE-TV hosts will be hosting Gala attendee contests for some great prizes!
Chadd Michaels from the Brat Pack will go on stage!
The inside scope on the making of the Ball!
http://wane.com/2017/12/28/brand-new-ball-will-still-drop-at-midnight/
11:50 PM
10 Min Countdown
Countdown to Midnight begins!
Fort Wayne’s Addison Agen, who sang her way to a runner-up finish on NBC’s “The Voice” this season, will perform at the Fort Wayne New Years Ball Drop.
The 8 ft. in diameter, low-poly ball will be covered in translucent acrylic plastic, and will be lit with over 380,000 lumens of LEDs.The ball will be hoisted 80 feet over the corner of Baker and Ewing St., and lowered by crane as the New Year rings in.
Best of all, the event is FREE & ALL Ages thanks to many of our local businesses.