THON Viewers Guide: Must-Know Details If You’re Attending the Big Dance

By

StateCollege.com Staff

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February 18, 2011 – 7:07 pm

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know it’s THON weekend. Whether you’re going for the first time or the 15th, we’ve put together a guide on everything you need to know about attending the Big Dance.

Parking

General parking is free for spectators during THON and will be provided in Porter North, Jordan East, Stadium West, and the Orange Lot located across from the Intramural Building.

What you can expect to see during THON

THON Committee members form a human tunnel from the Multi-Sport Facility all the way to the doors of the Bryce Jordan Center for the dancers to make their grand entrance.

Committee members have spent this week learning the line dance, but during the first few hours it will be taught to dancers, as well as anyone else at the BJC. If you miss the tutorial, don’t worry; the line dance is performed about once every hour.

A themed-fashion show produced by Four Diamonds children will take the stage sometime during THON.

The pep rally is one of THON’s most-talked-about events and showcases the many off-the-field talents of Penn State athletes. Each team is given two minutes to perform a choreographed dance routine to a song of its choice, usually setting the energy level in the BJC on fire.

One of the most emotional events during THON weekend is Family Hour. Starting at roughly the 45th hour, it gives Four Diamonds families the opportunity to share their personal stories and express their gratitude. As this Onward State story on Family Hour points out, ‘if you’re not a waterfall by the end of it, you’re a robot.” The “Celebration of Life” video is shown during Family Hour, honoring children who lost their battles with cancer.

Avoiding the crowds

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds this weekend, there are some definite times to steer clear of the BJC, including late Saturday morning through Saturday evening, and before the last four hours of THON.

Getting a seat for the home stretch

The doors of the Bryce Jordan Center are closed when it has reached capacity, so if you would like to see the final four hours, get there early. (We hear it’s difficult to get a decent seat after 9 a.m.)

THON merchandise

THON T-shirts, sweatshirts and other items will be available all weekend at THON store locations set up on the concourse level of the Bryce Jordan Center. Proceeds from all merchandise go directly to THON and The Four Diamonds Fund. Donations will be accepted at all three locations.

CATA Bus Services

During THON weekend, the Blue and White Loop will be running continuously for 48 hours beginning on Friday at 6 p.m. There is no change to the Green and Red Link schedules.

Food

You’ll have plenty of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the weekend at concession stands located on the concourse level. (No outside food is allowed in the BJC, unless it is for your Four Diamonds family or dancers.)

State College is also packed with restaurants that support THON including the Deli, Irving’s, DP Dough, Qdoba, Hi-way Pizza, the Tavern, and Subway.

Other general spectator information

For security reasons, all large bags and backpacks must be checked upon entrance to the BJC. Plan accordingly and leave valuables at home.

The BJC prohibits signs from being taped to the stands or used to block seats.

The Pit is an area of the floor that is blocked off with fences and can be reached from the stands without a pass. The Pit area can be accessed from Portals 21 and 25 on the concourse level.