Overview
- ABC and Dick Clark Productions confirmed a live Central Time midnight countdown from downtown Chicago for the Dec. 31 broadcast.
- The Chicago segment begins at 7 p.m. CT on ABC and marks the show’s first Central Time countdown in its more than 50-year run.
- WLS-TV (ABC7 Chicago), the mayor’s office, Choose Chicago, and DCASE are partnering on the production.
- Plans include televising fireworks centered on the bridges over the Chicago River, with the stage location still to be finalized.
- The multi-site special will continue to feature Times Square and an Atlantic Time countdown from Puerto Rico, with local Chicago host and musical guests yet to be named.