Everything to Know About the Chi-Town Rising Star

Chi-Town Rising's iconic "rising star" returns to the New Year's Eve celebration this year, following its debut at the inaugural event in 2015.

Contrary to popular New Year's Eve trends across the world, the rising star's ascension up the side of the Hyatt Regency Chicago introduced a New Year's Eve icon that organizers say rivals all others in size and capability.

"Our city's spirit inspired our choice to have an icon rise -- not fall -- on New Year's Eve," said John Murray, president and founder of Arena Partners. "We believe that the Rising Star is quintessentially Chicago, and for us, it's the heart of the entire Chi-Town Rising celebration."

The star was created by locally owned and operated The Chicago Flyhouse Incorporated. It was designed and built in Chicago by Arena Partners, ONE618 and The Chicago Flyhouse Incorporated.

The rising star weighs 12,000 pounds, and at 70 feet and 6 inches tall from tip to tip, the star will ascend 360 feet into the night sky to welcome in the New Year.

"Fabricating and rigging an icon that will rise in the night sky is an enormous undertaking," said Mark Witteveen, founder of The Chicago Flyhouse Inc. "When the clock strikes midnight in Chicago, the Rising Star will be a beautiful backdrop to bring in the New Year."

The star was inspired by the second star on the city's flag, which represents the Great Fire of 1871 and the city's phoenix-like rise in its aftermath.

The star's support structure is made up of about 34,000 pounds of steel. The beams that are used on the front of the Hyatt Regency Chicago, which act as guides for the Rising Star, are made up of 24,000 pounds of steel.

Nearly 2,000 feet of wire rope will be used to raise the star.

You can stream the star's ascension live on NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago starting at 11:00 p.m. on New Year's Eve. 

Contact Us