Celebrating New Year's Downtown at Opening Night

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Thousands of people flocked to downtown Oklahoma City for Opening Night to celebrate New Year's Eve.

Opening Night featured events such as roller derby, magic shows and music to help people ring in the New Year.

"All kinds of music genres this year, country, rock and big band and jazz and something for everyone, belly dancers, Chinese dragon dancers, and children play area," said Emily Reagan, Arts Council of Oklahoma City Public Relations Director.

For those wanting to stay away from the frigid weather, Opening Night set up venues indoors until it was time to ring in 2010.

"We're not too worried about the weather because 9 out of 10 venues are inside and there's plenty of parking. If it's a little cold out they can take the trolley out to different venues. Everyone's going to huddle down here, and it'll be nice and warm and close to strangers," Reagan said.

Opening Night event planners said they expected about 75,000 people out in downtown Thursday night, especially with the Thunder taking on the Utah Jazz at the Ford Center and the Flaming Lips concert.

It took more than 500 people to work Opening Night.