New Year's Eve Celebrations In OKC

Throughout OKC, folks are prepping for the New Year and welcoming new beginnings.

Alyssa Flesher, with Arts Council OKC, said they're expecting to celebrate ringing in the New Year with thousands of people tonight at the Bricktown Ballpark.

“We have 9 local performers, so we'll have them spread out throughout the ballpark indoors and outdoors within the venue itself. We'll have four local food trucks just located outside of the Mickey Mantle entrance, and we have these awesome murals that people can walk around and vote on their favorite,” Flesher said.

Flesher said this year is special. Last year's event was all virtual, but she plans to bring her vision of Opening Night 2022 to life in person.

“We'll have our ascending ball at midnight and a big elaborate fireworks display,” Flesher said.

Opening Night 2022 starts at 7p.m. and it costs $8 to enter the ballpark.

In Northeast OKC, six local pastors are ending the year with the 41st annual Prayer Bowl at Fairview Baptist Church.

“As you know these past two years has been a tremendous burden on all of us.

We've seen so many of our people who have been victimized by this virus and many lives have been taken by the virus and we're in a period now where cases are rising.

Through it all, we're saying that it is a time to rejoice in the lord because it always could've been much worse than what it has been,” Pastor John Reed said.

The Prayer Bowl starts at 7 p.m. in person and a live stream is available for folks to watch at home.

Both events are planning to have COVID protocols in place.

It's also important to celebrate safely this weekend. The OKC Streetcar will be offering free rides throughout the weekend.