New Year's Eve Numbers Arrive In Times Square

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — Christmas is still weeks away, but Times Square is already starting to gear up for New Year's Eve. Two of the giant light-up numbers that will make up the "2018" sign atop 1 Times Square were delivered to Midtown Wednesday on the back of a flatbed truck.

In a rehearsal run for New Year's Eve, officials counted down as the "1" and "8" lights were lit up in the middle of Times Square Plaza between West 46th and 47th streets. The numbers will remain on display in the plaza until Friday, Dec. 22, for photo opportunities.

The numbers stand 7-feet-tall and are decked out in 9-watt LED bulbs, Times Square official said. The "1" is outfitted with 72 bulbs and the "8" is outfitted with 180 bulbs.

The numbers — joined by the "2" and "0" — will be hoisted to the top of 1 Times Square on Dec. 22 in preparation for New Year's Eve.

Photo by David R. Martin/Associated Press