The Times Square ball dropto celebrateAmerica's 250th birthdaywill no longer be open to the public.
While the event itself will be broadcast live, there will not be a public event in the Times Square plazas, America250 confirmed to USA TODAY in an April 9 statement.
"We are working through standard coordination with city partners and look forward to sharing additional details soon," America250 added.
The latest development comes weeks after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the city's Parks & Recreation Department enacted a new rule, at the police department's recommendation, that will make it easier to deny certain permit applications for "special events" between June 11 and July 19.
According to the notice of adoption, the rule was designed to "more effectively deploy police resources and control overtime costs." NYC will be hosting events associated with the FIFA World Cup and the country's 250th anniversary in June and July.
"Much like New Year’s Eve, the celebration will be broadcast live, giving millions the chance to be part of the moment from wherever they are," according to America250 and One Times Square. "A limited, ticketed in-person experience inside One Times Square will also be available, with details to come."
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It wasn't immediately clear how the rule impacted the celebration, but USA TODAY has reached out to the mayor's office and the city's parks department for comment.
Here's what to know about the second ball drop of 2026.
See the Patriotic crystal ball reveal for NYE Times Square ball drop
Times Square Alliance 'disappointed' by development
While Tom Harris, president of the nonprofit Times Square Alliance that works to "improve and promote" Times Square, is "disappointed" by the development, he hopes it'll nonetheless be an "amazing summer."
"All events are not created equal, and we will continue to try and work with the city to get approvals not only for legacy events but for new and exciting events that require minimal or no city resources or events that can be managed safely with private resources," Harris told USA TODAY.
Another ball drop scheduled for July 3
See the Patriotic crystal ball reveal for NYE Times Square ball drop
According toAmerica250, the Constellation Ball drop will take place again on Friday, July 3. It will be the first time the ball will not only drop on New Year’s Eve.
“The Fourth of July countdown moment will anchor America250’s nationwide Independence Day celebrations and reinforce New York City’s central role in the nation’s Semiquincentennial,” the organization said.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Times Square ball drop for America250 won't be open to the public