SEATTLE — T-Mobile New Year's at the Needle rang in 2022 in a whole new way.
Fireworks were back for the first time in two years — with a twist. Audiences had the opportunity to witness the first-ever firework-augmented reality show broadcast live on KING 5, KONG, KING5.com or the KING 5 mobile app.
Due to COVID-19, crowds weren't allowed to gather at the Seattle Center, and no public viewing was available on the Seattle Center grounds to watch the show. But that's OK, the special effects could only be seen on TV or streaming online.
On the broadcast, viewers got to see exclusive special effects, digital animation and visuals that took the firework show to an all-new dimension. The fireworks and light show spectacular was choreographed to music simulcast on HITS 106.1.
The show featured images of some of the most beloved Pacific Northwest symbols that were recreated in the sky paired with special mixed reality effects synchronized to the pyrotechnics and lighting.
KING 5 Evening’s Kim Holcomb, Jim Dever, Angela Poe Russell and Saint Bryan hosted the show from T-Mobile Park.
The Space Needle partnered with Bellevue-based Lightspeed Design to create the animation for the show. The fireworks show, designed by Alberto Navarro, was produced by global fireworks experts Pyro Spectaculars, and the live lighting effects are designed by Illuminate Production Services.
The augmented fireworks show will be available for worldwide viewing at SpaceNeedle.com/NewYears and in part on KING 5's YouTube page.
Everyone celebrating T-Mobile New Year’s at the Needle is encouraged to share photos and videos on social media of how they’re ringing in the New Year at home using the hashtag #NYESeattle.