Motor City New Year’s Eve will once again illuminate Detroit on Thursday, December 31. Meridian Health Plan is the title sponsor of this FREE outdoor event that will be held from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. in Campus Martius and Cadillac Square.
“Meridian is a remarkable corporate partner to our community and we are incredibly grateful to have them as title sponsor of our sixth annual New Year’s Eve celebration," said Jerrid Mooney, co-founder of Motor City New Year’s Eve. “Meridian, along with the support from all of our sponsors, gives us the opportunity to create a more comprehensive event, attracting more visitors and showcasing downtown Detroit as a New Year’s Eve destination.”
“As a family-owned health care provider, we are honored Meridian has the opportunity to be the title sponsor for an event allowing family and friends to gather in the heart of Detroit and ring in the new year,” said Sean Cotton, Chief Administrative Officer of Meridian Health Plan.
The sixth-annual Motor City New Year's Eve – The Drop – sponsored by Meridian and supported by Opportunity Detroit and Bedrock Real Estate Services, is a free community event loaded with outdoor activities for all to enjoy. Well before the “D” makes its annual descent at Cadillac Square just before midnight, thousands of children and adults will unite in the heart of downtown Detroit to enjoy dozens of fun outdoor activities starting at 4 p.m.
“The footprint of this year’s celebration is larger than ever and the activities bigger and more exciting than ever before,” said Tony Piraino, co-founder of Motor City New Year’s Eve. “The city's cultural center will surge with energy that continues to put Detroit on the map as a destination.”
The highlight of the event will be a unique Detroit-themed ball drop. A grand 7-foot glittering "D" mounted on an 8-foot glowing sphere will descend, not once, but twice during the event. The D will drop once for a Kids’ Drop at 6:30 p.m., and again for the main event just seconds before midnight.
Before the big moment, guests can enjoy live music, warm food, cold refreshments and cocktails (21+) prepared by local food trucks and restaurants. Partygoers will also find merchandise for sale from local retailers, ice skating in Campus Martius (for a fee) and wood-burning warming stations positioned throughout the event. Carriage rides will be available for scenic tours of the City for a fee. The big football game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Alabama Crimson Tide in the national semifinal will be broadcast during the event thanks to four 10-by-14 LED screens.
Meridian Motor City NYE will present an inclusive Kids’ Zone featuring family-friendly performances from 4-7 p.m. Cirque Among Us, the Detroit Youth Choir, John Davis (The VIBE Man) and a magician will engage and entertain. Enjoy face painting, bounce houses and jungle gym activities.
Need to warm up? Guests can take shelter inside a massive 11,000-square-foot heated and carpeted structure in Cadillac Square. A second stage will feature entertainment and live music for families until the family fun concludes just after the Kids’ Drop at 6:30 p.m.
The free adult fun begins on the main stage at 7 p.m. with performances by The Infatuations, Tosha Owens Blues Band, Angela Davis & The Solid Pocket Band, Athena Johnson Band, and JUKEBOXX. Boji from Channel 95.5 will be dropping the beats from the stage all night long.
New this year is Motown Countdown, a ticketed event from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Guests will step inside the 11,000-square-foot heated structure that will be transformed for nightlife fun and take in clear views of the Detroit skyline and The Drop. The price of admission ($69) includes live entertainment from the Cosmic Groove Band and Boji, eight drink tickets, midnight snack, party favors, a celebratory balloon drop, heated restrooms, coat check and access to four LED screens broadcasting the football game, all in a cozy setting. Tickets can be purchased at www.MotorCityNYE.com.
For more information on the Meridian Motor City NYE, The Drop, visit www.MotorCityNYE.com
Enjoy!
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