Prices for a table at the Applebee’s in Times Square can go as high as $650, as customers can have a clear view of the ball drop from the restaurant window.
This is just one of the many expensive deals that those celebrating New Year’s Eve in the center of the city are willing to pay for, including $12,500 for a luxury couples package at the Marriott Marquis, which is one of the more popular purchases during the holiday, according to events entrepreneur Joshua Perla.
“We are seeing an uptick in the price consumers are spending on New Year’s Eve tickets that include a live view of the ball drop in Times Square,” Perla told the Post.
Perla is the founder of event sites Balldrop.com and NewYears.com, and claims that business has been active for the 30 different Times Square packages available for the holiday festivities.
The $650 seating per person at Applebee’s is one the main attractions of these offers, and customers who pay this price for a table get an elevated menu that extends beyond the casual chain’s usual fare of popular bottomless dishes.
However, the food seems to be one of the less important factors of this particular dining experience.
“You are really paying for the real estate, to be in the area and ultimately to get a view of the ball drop at midnight,” Perla commented.
Some other packages that are available in the area include $499 tickets to enter the AMC 42nd street movie multiplex, which is transformed into a nightlife space of four floors, and those attending can walk onto one of the two terraces that allow for a sight of the Swarovski-encrusted New Year’s Eve ball. The event is limited to 400 people, which is considerately less than the theater’s usual capacity of 1,500-2,000, reported Perla.
These events appear to be marketed for a specific demographic profile of people, usually out-of-town tourists who are eager to catch a glimpse of the city’s most acclaimed attractions.
“Who are these crazy people? They must be out of their minds,” commented NYC resident and restaurant consultant Donny Evans.
While many residents seem to avoid the crowds and notorious attractions on holidays, the trends in event purchases appear to imply that tourists are more than willing to splurge on these experiences.
