THERE’S no millennium panic – and fewer post-Sept. 11 terrorism fears.
But sales for the usual $100-a-ticket New Year’s Eve parties aren’t as brisk this year as nightclub promoters expected.
“In years past, people bought tickets far in advance,” said James Gall of Berk Communications, a veteran club publicity man who is representing Tao, Park and Slow for 2002.
“This year, people are waiting until the last minute.”
Gall said many revelers plan to wait until after midnight to show up at big clubs.
“A lot of people are looking for places that will let them in for $30 after the ball drops,” he said, citing b-lo on West 19th Street as one spot offering such a deal.
Eugene lowered prices for its New Year’s party from $150 to $125, including an open bar until midnight and appetizers.
At the debut party for the Maritime Hotel, there were still 100 tickets left yesterday at $150 for general admission and $225 for VIP. (Typically, VIP tickets guarantee a table and some light fare.)
The main attraction is a performance by the Gypsy Kings.
“I wish we were sold out,” said promoter Joseph Dirosa, “but I’m not particularly unenthused by the response.”
Some industry watchers say revelers do not want to shell out for “open bars” that end at midnight.
“It’s $150 or $200, and no one shows up until 11 p.m.,” said Norah Lawlor, a spokesperson for many New York night spots.
“You’re basically paying $200 for an hour and then you have to start paying again for drinks after 12.”
Some New Yorkers are renting clubs and eateries for private parties.
Cassie Slane, a 26-year-old writer/producer for Bloomberg Television, will be at Tupelo on West 33rd Street.
Three of her friends rented the restaurant and are charging $100 a person for an open bar that runs until 2 a.m., food and music.
“It’s not too crowded and it’s fun,” said Slane, who attended the same event last year.
Some savvy promoters are also scaling back, offering comfort over mobs.
Jason Strauss, who is organizing a $200 event headlined by Carson Daly at Tao, reduced the number of tickets offered from 800 in years past to 600 for tonight.
“Not selling so many tickets made it more exclusive and desirable,” he said. As of yesterday, Strauss still had tickets available.
Big dance spots like Estate, in the former Limelight space, and the Copacabana still have plenty of room.
Estate has 300 tickets at $150 each, while the Copa still has 1,000 tickets at $50 and $125.
Club folk are trying to put a good face on things.
“The remaining tickets, if they’re not sold by tomorrow morning, my clients are confident that they’ll get walk-in business,” said a club spokesman who requested anonymity.