Thousands buy tickets for New Year's Eve parties across the Kansas City area

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Thousands of tickets for Kansas City's biggest New Year's Eve parties have already been sold, and event organizers are encouraging people to buy in advance.

The city's largest party will be 2012 LIVE at the Power and Light District.  For $85, guests will receive all-access passes to 10 venues, which will have open bars and buffets.  The party features a Ball Drop at midnight, four live disk jockeys, confetti cannons and laser shows.  The special runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

About 1,500 people will be at Martini Corner Saturday night for Countdown on the Corner.   For $75, guests will receive all-access passes to five different venues, which will have open bars.  Guest can purchase VIP tickets for $100 and have access to top-shelf beverages.  Each venue will have its own live disk jockey and a champagne toast at midnight.  The special runs from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Organizers at Union Station are expecting about 1,200 people to attend Rock the Clock.   For $79, guest will get two drink tickets, appetizers and have access to the Sprint Festival Plaza Area, which will have a live band, in-door fireworks, cash bars and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

All events have already sold more than half of their available tickets.

Dozens of individual bars will host New Year's Eve parties.

Guests at all events are encouraged to arrange a safe ride home in advance.