What material has covered the modern Times Square New Year's Eve ball since its 2000 redesign?

Waterford Crystal has covered the modern Times Square New Year's Eve ball since its 2000 redesign.

The 2000 ball was introduced for the millennium celebration and used triangular Waterford Crystal panels with internal lighting. Waterford, an Irish crystal manufacturer, has continued supplying crystal panels for later versions, while Philips Lighting and other technology partners have contributed to changing illumination systems.

The ball’s appearance has changed several times since the first drop in 1907. It has grown in size, gained computer-controlled lights, and incorporated new crystal patterns. The current design is much larger and brighter than the original iron-and-wood ball, which was lowered over Times Square more than a century earlier.

“Crystal” here describes a type of decorative glass, not naturally occurring quartz crystal. Another common confusion is to identify Swarovski, a different crystal company. Waterford’s association is specifically tied to the Times Square Ball’s best-known modern panels and annual replacements or additions.