The Grand Rapids Weatherball’s Rare Neon Tubes Are Up For Sale

WZZM 13's iconic glowing "Weatherball" has informed drivers along I-96 and U.S-131 about what weather they should expect for the day since it was erected in 2003. It has been a fixture of Grand Rapids. When I was growing up, my family always made a spectacle of driving past the ball (we were easily entertained).

You may be unaware that the Weatherball has existed since the 1960s, and now, courtesy of a truly unique transaction, you could own a part of it.

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History of the Weatherball

WZZM 13's iconic structure, which celebrated the 20th anniversary of its current position last year, was originally a fixture of downtown Grand Rapids on top of the old Michigan National Bank building. However, the ball acted as "a large sail," and bracing against the wind caused structural damage. For the sake of the building, it was taken down in 1987, and the 288 neon tubes were auctioned off or given to residents around West Michigan.

The ball itself was sent to a scrapyard before WZZM purchased it in 1999, saving it from a natural disaster of its own. It has been sitting 100 feet in the air since May 7th, 2003.

READ MORE: Former John Ball Zoo Statue Finds New Home At Ice Cream Shop |

You could own a piece of History

Now, remember how I said 288 of the neon tubes that made the ball light up were given or auctioned away? Well, one of those recipients has come forward on the r/GrandRapids subreddit to inform Redditors he has not one, not two, but three intact neon tubes from the original weather ball. According to the post, the arcs are about 8 feet long, have been wrapped in bubble wrap.

If you are interested in learning more or purchasing the tubes, reach out to the seller here.