City beefs up security for ball drop

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - If you are planning to head downtown Monday night for the ball drop, you certainly won’t be alone.

Police Athletic League Executive Director Pamela Brinkworth Muzzio said, “We are hosting the second largest ball drop in the country, here in Roosevelt Plaza, second only to Times Square."

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With so many people there, Buffalo’s Mayor Byron Brown says they are beefing up security.

Brown said, “We will also have our Skywatch unit here for the ball drop.  As you know, we previewed skywatch a few weeks ago.  And it's a similar unit to the one that's used in New York City, in Times Square.”

This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the ball drop in Buffalo, that means it will be bigger and brighter than ever.

As you say goodbye to 2012 and welcome in 2013, downtown Buffalo is the place to be Monday night.

"The ball is ready to go.  It's dropping at the right speed and velocity and New Years Eve will be a great time in downtown Buffalo,” said  Brown.