When the lights go down in the City...

A few weeks ago, I stayed late at work and finally caught a glimpse of the new LED light show being tested on the Bay Bridge. If you haven't heard, tonight is the big lighting ceremony!

Here are a couple of fun facts about the "Bay Lights" project:

• The project uses 25,000 individually programmable white LED lights.
• Leo Villareal, a New York artist, is responsible for programming the lights. (Be sure to check out his other work, it's really cool.)
• The project costs $8 million, but they've only fund-raised $6 million. Did you know that you can buy a light for $50 and dedicate to someone? (Scroll towards the right to see which lights are still available and read people's dedications--they're very sweet.)
• The light sculpture will showcase many different patterns, including glimmering, up and down movement, blinking, and even images of clouds and animals.
• Art exhibits don't last forever and this one is no exception. For now, the project is only going to be live for two years. (Although I hope it becomes permanent!)
• Drivers on the Bridge cannot see the light show. (Probably for the best--the view is distracting enough!)
• If you can't find a good vantage point for the big reveal, you can still watch a live webcast tonight and every night after that.

It shouldn't be too hard to find a good watching spot. Most major hotels downtown and on Nob Hill have tremendous views of the Bay. The restaurants and bars on the Embarcadero will probably be crowded, but there's nothing stopping anyone from bringing a picnic, a warm blanket, and a flask to hang out on the grassy parts. And, obviously, if you have a friend who lives on the upper east side of the Millennium Tower, tonight's the night to invite yourself over. 

Do you guys have big viewing plans? Where will you be watching?