Pittsburgh Public Safety Finalizes First Night 2025 Preparations

Published on December 30, 2024

Department-of-Public-Safety-Seal

Pittsburgh Public Safety Finalizes First Night 2025 Preparations

Pittsburgh, PA – As Pittsburgh prepares to usher in 2025, the Department of Public Safety has been planning behind the scenes to ensure the annual New Year's Eve party is a safe, fun, and accessible event in the city.

"First Night is a cherished tradition in Pittsburgh, bringing the community together to ring in the new year in the heart of the Cultural District. Our number one priority is ensuring that everyone can enjoy the festivities safely. We’ve been working closely with city officials and event organizers to develop a comprehensive safety plan. All of our public safety personnel have been preparing for months to make this a night everyone can enjoy. Our first responders will be highly visible throughout the event, and we encourage you to assist them by alerting them to any suspicious or unusual activity,” said Acting Police Chief Christopher Ragland.

First Night 2025, presented by Highmark and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, features a family-friendly lineup of performers, art installations, and an early fireworks display for children at 6:00 p.m. on the Highmark Stage. The evening culminates with the Countdown to Midnight and the raising of the Future of Pittsburgh Ball.

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police will be staffed with 80 officers to provide maximum security coverage in the Cultural District, supported by Pittsburgh EMS, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire, Emergency Management, and more than 10 Crossing Guards. At this time, there are no known security threats to the event.

Residents and visitors should take note of the following major road closures:

  • Stanwix Street between Fort Duquesne Boulevard and Liberty Avenue beginning at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 31.
  • Penn Avenue from 5th Avenue to 9th Street starting at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31.

For a full list of road closures and parking options visit: https://bit.ly/pghfirstnight

While the weather forecast indicates the likelihood of rain throughout the afternoon and evening, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Inspector will evaluate conditions closer to the time of the fireworks display to determine if any adjustments need to be made.

Remember, if you see something, say something. Together, we can help create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone as we celebrate the start of the new year.

On behalf of everyone at the Department of Public Safety, we wish you a happy and healthy New Year!

Eliza Durham
Public Information Officer
Public Safety
eliza.durham@pittsburghpa.gov

 

Tagged as:
Back to top