I think that every time they drop the ball on New Year's Eve. At least since 2001. I was in the city the day before New Year's Eve last year and the police were already setting up the barricades, limiting access for that entire area and literally caging in groups of people who have to be in place by 1PM. Totally necessary for security purposes but on the other hand, it reduces the people there to penned-in cattle. I hear that once you get herded in there for the event, there's no easy way getting out, not even to use a bathroom, until the event is over. Not that local establishments will even let you in to use one, unless you were a customer. I want no part of that! Much rather see the ball drop in front of a TV with a glass of champagne in my hand.
