<P> The ball 's design has been updated over the years to reflect improvements in lighting technology ; the ball was initially constructed from wood and iron , and lit with 100 incandescent light bulbs . The current incarnation , designed by Harlem - based architectural lighting firm Focus Lighting , features a computerized LED lighting system and an outer surface consisting of triangular crystal panels . These panels are produced by Waterford Crystal , and contain inscriptions representing a yearly theme . Since 2009 , the current ball has been displayed atop One Times Square year - round , while the original , smaller version of the current ball that was used in 2008 has been on display inside the Times Square visitor 's center . </P>
<P> The ball 's design has been updated over the years to reflect improvements in lighting technology ; the ball was initially constructed from wood and iron , and lit with 100 incandescent light bulbs . The current incarnation , designed by Harlem - based architectural lighting firm Focus Lighting , features a computerized LED lighting system and an outer surface consisting of triangular crystal panels . These panels are produced by Waterford Crystal , and contain inscriptions representing a yearly theme . Since 2009 , the current ball has been displayed atop One Times Square year - round , while the original , smaller version of the current ball that was used in 2008 has been on display inside the Times Square visitor 's center . </P>
where is the times square new years eve ball stored
where is the times square new years eve ball stored
displayed atop One Times Square year - round
displayed atop One Times Square year - round