The Times Square Ball first used Waterford crystal panels in 2000. The updated design was introduced for the celebration welcoming the new millennium, replacing earlier illuminated balls with a more elaborate surface designed to catch and scatter light.
Waterford Crystal, an Irish glassmaker, has supplied panels for later versions of the ball. The design has changed as new motifs and panels have been added, but the crystal-and-light combination remains a defining feature. Modern versions are illuminated by energy-efficient LEDs and can display many colors and patterns during the countdown.
The year 2000 is sometimes confused with the start of the twenty-first century. In the Gregorian calendar, the first century began with year 1, so the twenty-first century began in 2001; nevertheless, the celebration at the end of 1999 and start of 2000 was widely treated as the millennium celebration. The crystal ball’s debut belongs to that globally celebrated New Year period.