The Times Square New Year's Eve Ball has included Waterford Crystal panels since 2000.
The 2000 celebration introduced a redesigned ball featuring Waterford Crystal triangles. The change marked the beginning of a continuing partnership between the Irish crystal manufacturer and the Times Square New Year's Eve event. Waterford produces annual panel patterns, often with themes connected to hope, unity, or other festive ideas.
The crystal ball replaced a much simpler historical design. The first ball in 1907 was built from iron and wood and covered with electric lights. Over the decades, the ball changed materials and lighting technology, including versions made with aluminum and a more energy-efficient LED system.
The modern ball is far larger and heavier than its predecessor. It is covered with thousands of crystal panels and illuminated by many LED modules, allowing it to display a wide range of colors. Although people often refer simply to “the ball drop,” the object is also a carefully engineered piece of public art and event technology.