UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The 2024 Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) will be held at the Bryce Jordan Center (BJC) from 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, through 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18.
As the world’s largest student-run philanthropy, THON raises millions of dollars to fund pediatric cancer research and brings thousands of visitors to the University Park campus each year. In 2024, a total of 708 dancers are expected to stand on their feet for 46 hours to raise money for Four Diamonds.
In order to make THON Weekend an enjoyable and memorable experience for all involved, THON has released a comprehensive spectator resource packet with information for visitors and community members who plan to attend.
General public entrance and access
Entrance to THON is free and open to the public, and does not require a ticket to attend. Members of the public attending THON will enter the Bryce Jordan Center through the general spectator line at will call via the BJC ticketing office, between gates A and B on the side of the building facing Curtin Road. All attendees will be required to obtain a THON Weekend wristband prior to entrance. The wristband helps THON volunteers manage wait times and entrance into the BJC, and must be worn at all times inside the building.
Throughout the weekend there may be times when the BJC reaches its maximum accommodation. During these times, spectators will not be able to enter the facility and should proceed to the will call office, where they can provide their cell phone number and enter a digital line. Spectators will receive a text message when it is their turn to enter the building, and will have 45 minutes from the time the text message is sent to enter the building. Alternatively, THON spectators can check on the status of the building capacity at THON.org/thon-weekend/.
During times the building is at maximum accommodation, spectators awaiting entry are not permitted to wait on the BJC property.
Clear bag policy and prohibited items
Before entry, all attendees must pass through a metal detector.
To provide a safer environment for attendees and significantly expedite entry into the Bryce Jordan Center, THON has implemented a clear bag policy that limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into the arena:
-
A clear tote bag with a maximum size of 12”x12"x6”
-
A resealable one-gallon clear bag measuring 11”x11”x0” or smaller
-
A wallet, clutch or fanny pack measuring 6.5”x4.5” or smaller
Purses larger than a clutch bag, backpacks, diaper bags and camera bags are among the types of bags not permitted. Other prohibited items include inflatable objects or balloons, weapons of any kind, liquids excluding sealed bubbles, glitter and silly string, among others. Food and beverage items are prohibited; however, empty reusable water bottles are allowed.
Exceptions to this policy will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.
Attendees are urged to review the spectator resource packet for more information on THON’s bag policy and a full list of prohibited items.
Safety information
All attendees are encouraged to remain standing throughout the entirety of the event. Accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities, and handicapped seating is available behind the information booths located across from each entrance gate into the arena. Additionally, anyone who needs to sit for medical reasons can obtain a medical wristband from the EMS room located across from portal 24 inside the main concourse.
Livestream
Members of the public unable to attend in person will be able to watch the event remotely on the THON livestream hosted on the official THON website at thon.org/livestream.
Learn about other ways to tune in and stay connected with THON throughout the weekend here.
Public transportation
The Centre Area Transportation Authority will operate on its normal weekend schedule during THON Weekend, but delays are possible, especially when temporary road closures are in effect. The campus Blue Loop, White Loop, and Red Link are free to all riders, while community service routes require a fare.
Passholders and floor access
Certain THON attendees have been granted passes that allow access to the floor of the Bryce Jordan Center during the event. These passes are given out by THON dancers; each dancer is allotted eight passes they can give to guests of their choosing. Passholders have already been notified of their status ahead of THON Weekend and must bring with them a valid photo ID.
Passholders first enter the BJC through Gate A or B and receive a THON Weekend wristband. Once inside, passholders should approach one of the information booths located across from the BJC entrance. There, a member of THON’s Rules and Regulations Committee will verify the passholder’s ID and check them into the digital line for entering the floor.
Detailed instructions on the floor entrance and exit procedures are included in the spectator resource packet.
Parking
Parking during THON is free and does not require a pass, and there are no overnight restrictions on parking during THON Weekend.
THON parking will be available in the Stadium West, Jordan East and Porter North parking lots near the Bryce Jordan Center. Find more information about parking and traffic adjustments and restrictions here.
A lot directly outside the BJC has been reserved for ADA parking. Accessible entrances include both Gates A and B of the BJC, and limited accessible seating is available in multiple locations in the arena. Refer to the spectator resource packet for specific information.
Those driving to THON should watch for signage and follow directions from on-site staff to reach available parking areas. Note that there are signs in each lot that state parking is prohibited between 2 and 4 a.m. This constraint has been lifted for THON weekend, and there will be no time limits on the parking lots between Feb. 16 and 18. There will be other lot closures and restrictions throughout the weekend due to numerous other events taking place on the east side of campus this weekend. Read more here.
The THON spectator resource packet contains a color-coded map of parking lots and detailed driving directions. Additional parking and traffic information for THON Weekend is available from Penn State Transportation Services.
For more information on THON Weekend, refer to the spectator resource packet or visit THON.org.