It's still a relatively new event for a city that had its founding in 1701. But plans are now in place for this year's New Year's Eve "D Drop" in Campus Martius.
"It's kind of getting to that point where it's an expected activity, or a tradition," said Tony Piraino, one of the co-founders of the annual celebration.
This will mark the sixth year the 7-foot glittering "D" will drop 100 feet at midnight as Detroit rings in 2016.
"You can see the people really are becoming more comfortable with coming downtown," said Jerrid Mooney, who started the event with Piraino in 2011. "This resurgence, this re-birth if you would, of Detroit, is really taking root and we're really happy to a be a part of that, just a small part, admittedly, but we're happy to be a part of it," Mooney said.
Last year, a crowd estimated at 20,000 attended the outdoor event. Piraino told 7 Action News he's expecting to see the number grow to 30,000 this year.
"This is about Detroit," Mooney said. "This is about celebrating that spirit of Detroit."
Meridian Health Plan was announced as the title sponsor for the event. It will be held from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. in Campus Martius and Cadillac Square.
Free outdoor activities for kids and families will be available again this year. The "D" will drop once for a Kids' Drop at 6:30 p.m. and then descend again at midnight.
Free adult activities begin at 7 p.m. The Motown Countdown, a ticketed event will be held inside the 11,000-foot heated and carpeted structure located in Cadillac Square. Tickets can be purchased online for $69.
