This New Year’s Eve, one of Chicago’s most recognized symbols will mark the beginning of 2016 in a way no Chicagoan has ever seen before.
Chi-Town Rising, Chicago’s inaugural New Year’s celebration, will feature a 70-foot 6-inch tall star. Unlike New York’s ball drop, the star will ascend 36 stories up Hyatt Regency Chicago’s West Tower during the countdown to 2016, launching a spectacular firework show at midnight.
The Rising Star was inspired by the second star on Chicago’s flag, symbolizing the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and the city’s “phoenix-like rise in its aftermath,” according to a news release from organizers.
“A Rising Star is fitting for a populace that rises to meet challenges head-on, and it is aspirational— symbolic of looking forward to the opportunities that the New Year holds in store for us,” wrote Arena Partners President John Murray.
The Rising Star is taller than the scoreboard at Wrigley Field and more than double the height of The Bean. In comparison, the Ball used at Time Square’s NYE event measures 12-feet in diameter.
The Rising Star contains more than 250 bolts and weighs 12,000 pounds. About 34,000 pounds of steel was used to make up its support structure. It was designed and built in Chicago by ONE618 and The Chicago Flyhouse Incorporated.
The ticketed event, presented by Corona Extra and hosted by Hyatt Gold Passport, will be held between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive. The Chi-Town Rising Countdown Stage in front of the Hyatt Regency Chicago along Upper Wacker Drive features musical performances from Billboard 2014 Top Artist American Authors, known for their hit "Best Day of My Life," and legendary rock band Chicago.
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"Extra" host Mario Lopez will host the NBC 5 live broadcast of Chi-Town Rising. The broadcast, airing on over 40 NBC affiliates in the central United States and streaming on TV Everywhere on the NBC Chicago app, begins at 11:08 p.m.
Chi-Town Rising attendees can share their NYE moments on social media using #ChiTownRising.
