Red Steps in Times Square

The red steps are part of Duffy Square's TKTS booth
where Broadway Theater goers can buy tickets at
half price.
There are 27. They seat up to 500 people. Like much else of the structure, they are made of layers of thick glass, together with a red inlay to create the color. The steps are flecked with little silver bits called frets. These prevent a person from slipping, even when the steps are wet. The staircase will likely be lit at all times, but the red glow is not perceptible during the daylight hours, unless it is an overcast or misty day. The steps, using geothermal-based heating and cooling technology, will be slightly warmed during the winter months, to prevent the surface from icing over, and cooled in the summer so that the stairs don't become unbearably hot from constant exposure to the sun's rays.

Information obtained from: http://www.playbill.com/features/article/122366.html