Written by Staff Writer by Staff Writer at CNN
New York’s Times Square is no stranger to spectacle and grandeur, but the people who run the Times Square Alliance might want to think twice about scheduling fireworks on New Year’s Eve, because you may need a flu shot to enjoy them.
Don’t worry — it’s not like the self-proclaimed “greatest neighborhood in the world” won’t have any fun.
When the world steps outside for New Year’s Eve fireworks, everyone — and we mean everyone — has a shot at celebrating.
For this particular firework display, over 2.8 million of revelers who attended New Year’s Eve parties in Times Square were invited to watch a hasty countdown to midnight from the top of One Times Square.
Huge structures like the One Times Square concert stage and Cirque du Soleil’s Totem are meant to stay open to soak up the festivities.
Entrants to the lottery for access to One Times Square were selected, and the peak admission was 200,000.
A team of U.S. and Canadian epidemiologists planned ahead for a large influx of people, the largest in the world.
Seats, food and drinks are all planned and will be conveniently located inside One Times Square.
You do have to pay up, though, and it will cost you $60 for general admission.
What are some of the festivities you can expect? The Times Square Alliance plans to have DJs, a giant balloon drop and two performances from award-winning musicians, including EDM sensation Dillon Francis.
The One NYE Live (aka “The Happiest Times Square New Year” event) takes place December 31 starting at 6 p.m. ET and continuing for over an hour and a half, with fireworks ending at midnight.
Then, as the clock strikes 12:01, Times Square will open its gates to thousands of people who will enter a giant new countdown to begin the New Year, hosted by author and CNN political commentator Van Jones.
For a 25-cent admission fee, you’ll also be welcome into the 4,000 square-foot (375 square-meter) tent-like event space for entertainment, refreshments and a New Year’s toast.