NEW YORK CITY–On a surprisingly warm, cloudy winter morning, four giant numbers were set down in Times Square. A crowd gathered to watch the future illuminate.
The 7-foot “2025” numerals were presented in Time Square on Dec. 18, ushering in excitement for the new year.
The monolithic numbers will be standing in Times Square for photos between 46th and 47th street until 7 a.m. on Dec. 23.
The numerals will be placed on top of One Times Square as a piece of the massive 2025 sign for the New Year’s live broadcast, where it will be lit when the ball drops.
President of the Times Square Alliance Tom Harris spoke at the unveiling. “You know that New Year’s is full, full steam ahead when the numerals arrive,” he said. “Hundreds of thousands of people come to Times Square, and over the next few days, they’re going to be able to have pictures taken with the numerals.”
This year Times Square partnered with AMA Electric and Kia to help run the numerals. A Kia EV9 was set next to the radiant numbers.
Kia Head of Public Relations James Bell, speaking at the lighting event, said, “I know New York, on occasion, has had a blackout or two, but just in case, I want everybody know that EV9, right there, has ability to power these lights.”
Bell said that the reason they were helping with the numerals is the Accelerate the Good policy, which aims to “remind people that this is a season of giving.”
“So our gift to the world are these numerals that will be illuminated on New Year’s Eve? We’re all very excited about that.”
Collectively, the numbers weigh about 1,200 pounds, with the heaviest number being the zero, at 380 pounds.
