New Year's Eve NYC - Times Square

[KhouriC]

I am considering doing New Years Eve in times square this year at the behest of my female friend who is flying in. At first i was wary of this since i can't imagine standing around corralled into barricaded pens all night but after looking at last years schedule of events it doesn't seem to bad.

I realize drinking alcohol will not be a good idea since once you are in you can't leave and if you do you can't come back. Also, warm clothing is a must.

So my question is, what are some things i should be concerned about or thinking of if i am going to be there.

The big question i have is, what is the best time to get there by to have a good view of everything.

At the very least it will be a change from the very expensive clubs/bar scene on NYE in NY which i have done the past couple years.

Thoughts or comments or alternative ideas for NYE?

 

[romafan]

Be there or be square.

Seriously, you'd be better off almost any place else, and that includes a police holding cell.

"So my question is, what are some things i should be concerned about or thinking of if i am going to be there."

You should be concerned about the weather, pickpockets, drunks, a$$holes, idiots, rubes, being puked on, having to piss, being separated from your friends, freezing your nutz off, being bored out of your skull, an attack of claustrophobia, being trampled, wasting an evening (life is short!), and having a miserable time.

That being said, some people love it. Get there early ....

 

[Lone Wolf]

I went the first year I lived close enough to go in, just to say that I had done it. It's probably fun if you're under the influence of a mind altering substance or two, but between the noise, the crowds, and the general aggravation, I'd never do it again.

 

[KhouriC]

these responses are exactly what i was afraid of, great.

guess i need to time my drinking right so that i can go before getting into the barricaded areas, a flask seems like a good idea.

 

[chorse123]

Well, if you're already drunk, you'll probably need to piss.

And then you're screwed.

 

[Lone Wolf]

That is a very good point, and a memory that I had managed to repress. You'd be better advised to bring a large-mouthed bottle than a flask.

 

[lee_44106]

It's probably something you would do just to say you've done it. I'll never do it again though.

+100 on what has already been said.

Dress warm, be prepared to get dirty (pissed on, puke on, step on puke/piss/****)

 

[Tarmac]

the pain doesn't end after midnight. If you are anywhere withing the midtown vicinity, it will either take you 2 hours to get on your train or 2 hours to catch a cab or 2 hours to walk home.

 

[c3cubed]

Originally Posted by KhouriC

I am considering doing New Years Eve in times square this year at the behest of my female friend who is flying in. At first i was wary of this since i can't imagine standing around corralled into barricaded pens all night but after looking at last years schedule of events it doesn't seem to bad.

The big question i have is, what is the best time to get there by to have a good view of everything.



If you want a decent location close to the action - best be in the pens around 3:00 in the afternoon. If you are there after six, you'll end up being herded way up Broadway or 7th and will just be part of the crowds and nothing else.
N.B. Forget any chances of surviving the evening if you have a full bladder. Once penned in, there is no chance of escape unless you wish to lose your position for good. Security is extremely tight.

Forget it if you need a taxi later on. Impossible.

 

[bigbjorn]

This thread makes me proud to be a New Yorker.

 

[Manton]

A couple of times, when I worked for the city, I worked NYE in TS, and had the total run of the place. It was a blast. No way in hell I would want to be penned into those holding areas for 12 hours just to see the ball drop, though.

 

[c3cubed]

Originally Posted by bigbjorn

This thread makes me proud to be a New Yorker.

Don't ever move.
It's the only place that matters.

 

[KhouriC]

this makes my decision really easy

 

[savage]

they usually ahve a schedule of when they start blocking TS off.. i think it begins at 2pm .. and yes people are there for the "good seats" ..

personally, i'd pass. 4th of July is better.

 

[fredfred]

The timing given above is about right. At 10pm they close off 43rd and others at 6th avenue - and those full streets (side streets) don't even have a view of the ball, or the events. The area goes into "lock down" of sorts. If you haven't ever seen NY police lock down an area, you don't have a full understanding of what they do. There are so many f-ing barricades, etc., and there is no way you can move around.

"Regular" bars charge $150-$200 for a cover charge for their "party". That does allow you one cup of $3/bottle champagne in a plastic cup, however.

My amusement one NYE - being in Grand Central at 4am... and seeing all the people sleeping on the floor ringing the Grand Hall waiting for the first 6am commuter trains so they could go home.