Campus Life

What you need to know if you’re going to THON Weekend 2023

Students filled the Bryce Jordan Center during the first evening of THON 2022 to enjoy the many performances and cheer on the dancers. THON Weekend 2023 will be held Friday, Feb. 17 through Sunday, Feb. 19. Credit: Patrick Mansell. All Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The 2023 Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) will be held at the Bryce Jordan Center (BJC) from 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, through 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19.  

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 2023, more than 700 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 via the general spectator line outside arena entrance gate A.  

All attendees will be required to obtain a THON Weekend wristband from the will call office between gates A and B. 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 ticketing/will call office for further instruction. THON supporters can also check on the status on the building via THON.org. 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 this year 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”x6”x12”  

  • 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, backpacks, camera bags and other items are 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 new bag policy and a full list of prohibited items. 

COVID-19 and safety protocols 

To protect the health of Four Diamonds families and minimize the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, individuals are urged not to attend THON Weekend if they have any flu-like symptoms. Individuals with visible symptoms upon arrival will not be granted entry.  

Attendees are highly encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza to further protect the health and wellbeing of the children, teens and families who remain at the center of THON’s mission. Individuals are welcome to wear masks as an additional precaution. 

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. 

Learn about all of the ways to stay connected to THON throughout the weekend here.

Public transportation 

The Centre Area Transportation Authority will operate on its normal weekend schedule during THON weekend. 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 will be 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 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 and receive a THON Weekend wristband. Once inside, passholders will approach one of the info 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 at the Jordan East and Porter North lots near the Bryce Jordan Center. The Stadium West lot will be reserved Friday evening and all day Saturday for the men’s hockey game parking, but will be available for THON parking on Sunday. A lot directly outside the BJC has been reserved for ADA parking. Those driving to THON should watch for signage and follow directions from on-site staff to reach available parking areas. 

THON volunteers will be stationed outside each lot to help direct traffic and answer questions. The THON 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, visit THON.org

Last Updated February 17, 2023