TIMES SQUARE — The year 2016 arrived in Times Square on Tuesday — more than two weeks before the annual party officially marks the change.
The "1" and "6 that will soon make up the giant illuminated "2016" sign arrived on the back of a truck and were on display all day — popular with tourists eager to get a photo with the centerpiece of the world's biggest New Year's Eve celebration.
The 7-foot tall numbers, each featuring dozens of bulbs, were lit up by Landmark Signs & Electric employees in front of Duffy Square.
Organizers set up a large Polaroid-type camera to take free photos of visitors.
The two numbers will be installed on top of the One Times Square next to the "2" and "0" in the next few days, officials said.
The four numbers' 516 bulbs will be turned on at the stroke of midnight on Jan. 1 as the Times Square ball drops.
