LAS VEGAS >> Organizers have begun counting down to Las Vegas’ annual New Year’s Eve fireworks extravaganza by announcing a show-opening twist.

Officials took to a casino rooftop lounge Thursday to say midnight fireworks over the Las Vegas Strip will begin with a 10-second pyrotechnic countdown from the Stratosphere tower, the tallest structure in town.

More than 300,000 people are expected on Las Vegas Boulevard, which will be closed to traffic for the event dubbed “America’s Party.”

The eight-minute outdoor show by Fireworks by Grucci will be set to music and fired from atop the MGM Grand, Aria, Planet Hollywood, Caesars Palace, Treasure Island, Venetian and Stratosphere resorts.

The downtown Fremont Street Experience pedestrian mall will host a separate block party for ticket-buyers featuring live bands and a canopy video fireworks display.