Times Square crowds celebrate New Year's Eve
NEW YORK - New Year's Eve celebrations in Times Square were back at full capacity for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and thousands of people gathered to say goodbyes to 2022 and welcome in 2023.
The NYPD had a myriad of security preparations to ensure this year's celebration was fun and safe.
There were three access points to get into safety zones in Times Square and people looking to celebrate can enter from 6th and 8th Avenue at 38th Street, 49th Street, 52nd Street, and 56th Street.
At each of those access points, there was heavy screening.
Prohibited items included umbrellas, chairs, blankets, backpacks, and large bags. Alcohol is also not allowed in safety zones to watch the ball drop.
Several streets in Manhattan were closed ahead of the celebrations, including:
- Seventh Avenue from 42nd to 49th street
- Broadway from 42nd to 49th streets
- 43rd to 48th streets between Sixth and Eighth avenues
- Southbound Seventh Avenue and Broadway from 38th to 59th streets
- 38th to 56th streets between Sixth and Eighth avenues
Two NYPD officers were injured in an attack several blocks from Times Square. The incident happened outside of the security zone.