Peach Drop: Tens of thousands expected in downtown Atlanta to ring in 2025
ATLANTA - Atlanta police anticipate tens of thousands of people to come out to watch the iconic Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta this New Year’s Eve.
Final preparations are well underway for the event, which will feature rapper Big Boi as the headliner.
At the stroke of midnight, the Peach will drop, marking the start of 2025.
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Preparations are underway for the Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta in Downtown Atlanta on Dec. 30, 2024. (FOX 5)
Atlanta police said they will work 12-hour shifts and have canceled off days to ensure the safety of everyone who comes out.
"We have 1,700 officers. Almost every one of them will be working over that 24-hour period," Chief Darin Schierbaum said at a news conference Monday morning.
Atlanta's Peach Drop returns
Last year, the city canceled the celebration, which also went on hiatus during the pandemic.
Preparations are underway for the Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta in Downtown Atlanta on Dec. 30, 2024. (FOX 5)
Chief Schierbaum urged citizens to celebrate responsibly.
"Citizens can choose safe celebration or consequence," he said. "And we ask them to choose the first one."
He said APD will be supported by other law enforcement agencies, with officers stationed on the ground and monitoring from above via helicopters and drones.
Preparations are underway for the Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta in Downtown Atlanta on Dec. 30, 2024. (FOX 5)
He promised to crack down on three things: celebratory gunfire, drunk drivers, and street racers.
"If you're going to come to Atlanta to street race, you're going to meet the Atlanta Police Department and the Georgia State Patrol," Schierbaum said. "We will have specialized teams deployed throughout the city."
ROAD CLOSURES
There will be multiple road closures in place for the Peach Drop, according to Atlanta Department of Transportation.
Pryor Street SW
• Full street closure from Decatur Street SE to Martin L. King Jr., Dr SW
Wall Street SW
• Full street closure from Central Avenue SW to Peachtree Street
Peachtree Street
• Full street closure from Marietta Street NW/Decatur Street SE to Alabama Street SW
• Full street closure from Alabama Street SW to Martin L. King Jr., Drive SW
• This street will close at 2 p.m., except for guests at the Fairfield Hotel
Alabama Street SW
• Full street closure from Forsyth Street SW to Peachtree Street
• This street will close at 4 p.m.
Broad Street SW
• Full street closure from Martin L. King Jr., Drive SW to Alabama St SW
• This street will close at 4 p.m.
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New Year's Eve safety
Officials also issued reminders about the dangers of celebratory gunfire and reckless fireworks use.
"That has deadly consequences," Schierbaum said. "We've seen that here in the region, and we ask everyone that is going to be in the city to please not discharge your weapons. If we see you discharging a weapon, we will arrest you."
The city’s E911 Center expects a busy night too.
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Last New Year’s Eve, the city said was slammed with more than 1,700 emergency calls between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. "For non-emergency situations, I encourage you to call 311 and use option two," said Desiree Arnold, Atlanta’s E911 Director. "This line is specifically designed for non-emergency issues such as noise complaints and fireworks."
Arnold said operators will also be working 12-hour shifts to handle the influx.
Peach Bowl and Peach Drop transportation
Meanwhile, for both the Peach Drop and the Peach Bowl the following day, city officials warn traffic will be a nightmare.
Preparations are underway for the Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta in Downtown Atlanta on Dec. 30, 2024. (FOX 5)
They recommend using MARTA.
"We want to make sure that MARTA is your first choice," Caviness said. "We're here to make sure you skip the parking nightmare in the city."
Chief Schierbaum echoed this advice, "That is a way to ensure a safe celebration instead of a consequence of DUI arrest."
Street closures for the Peach Drop will begin at 6 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. Officials strongly encourage visitors to plan ahead and avoid driving downtown.
The Source: This article is based on original reporting by FOX 5's Rob DiRienzo who spoke with city of Atlanta police and other officials preparing for the Peach Drop.