People pack downtown for ‘First Night’ celebration

PITTSBURGH — The streets of downtown Pittsburgh were packed Tuesday night as people got ready to welcome in a new decade.

Organizers of Highmark First Night 2020 had been preparing for months and worked to make sure it was a family-friendly event that everyone could enjoy.

Channel 11 got a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make the New Year’s Eve celebration happen.

Magic, comedians, live music, a display called Prizmatica and, of course, the raising of the Future of Pittsburgh Ball were just some of the biggest attractions.

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Pittsburgh Public Safety, as well as organizers, were taking no chances; They wanted people to enjoy First Night and know that when they come downtown, they will be out of harm’s way.

Pittsburgh Public Safety added extra patrols with extra help from other law enforcement agencies. There were uniformed and plainclothes officers.

Police were looking for impaired drivers.