Here’s what you need to know about Thon weekend

It’s that time of year again. At 6 p.m. Friday, hundreds of student dancers will stand up and not sit back down until 4 p.m. Sunday — all in the fight against pediatric cancer.

Through Thon, thousands of Penn State students raise money for Four Diamonds all year long with their efforts culminating in a 46-hour dance marathon at the Bryce Jordan Center.

Experience it for yourself

Whether it’s an annual tradition or your first time spectating, there are some things you should know.

Getting in. The general spectator line is located between Gates A and B at the Bryce Jordan Center. Receive a digital line management system wristband from will call and a Thon volunteer will direct you to Gate A or B.

You’ll have to go through security, which involves metal detectors and bag searches. Don’t try to take food or beverages in with you, they’re not allowed. You can take an empty water bottle to fill up inside.

Items too large to be stored under a seat are prohibited, and only drawstring bags or bags smaller than that are permitted.

Keep in mind, there might be times over the weekend that the overall building capacity is reached — referred to as a “building closure.” If that happens, spectators won’t be able to go into the building until enough people leave.

When building capacity is reached, wristbands will still be distributed in the will call areas outside the building. If the building is “closed,” once you receive a wristband you won’t yet be able to enter. You can text “BJC” to 50555 or go to thon.org/TWupdates.

Both will be updated every hour on the hour if a new range of barcodes (displayed on your wristband) are allowed in. You’ll have 45 minutes from the time your barcode is called to return to the BJC and enter through Gate A or B.

Play by the rules. Hopefully this one’s obvious, but don’t drink and Thon. Anyone who has consumed any amount of alcohol will not be permitted in the BJC.

▪ Floor access is only permitted if you’re on the registered pass list and using the Thon weekend pass system.

▪ No sitting. If the dancers can’t, you can’t either. If you need to sit for medical reasons, special wristbands are available.

Prohibited items. Please leave these at home: bags larger than a drawstring bag (this doesn’t include purses and camera bags); food and beverages; weapons of any kind; liquid; balloons or inflatables; potential harmful balls; water guns with removable tanks; glitter; silly string; flag poles; animals (not including animals needed for medical reasons); transportation items, such as skateboards or hoverboards; and large containers.

Can’t be there in person?

If you’re out of town, sick or just can’t make it to the BJC this weekend, you’re in luck because 46 Live conducts a live webcast of Thon at thon.org/livestream.

Last year, the webcast totaled 207,000 views and reached 128 countries around the world, including every continent except Antarctica, according to a Penn State news release.

Almost 60 students are involved in the webcast’s production, which starts an hour prior to the dancers standing up.

How to donate

Make a general donation or select a specific organization to support online at thon.donordrive.com. You can also donate in support of independent dancer couples or individuals.

Donations made by noon Sunday will be included in the final reveal number.

Parking and traffic

Spectators can park in Commuter Lot Stadium West, Commuter Lot Jordan East, Commuter Lot Porter North and Shields Lot throughout the weekend. Parking is free.

Heavy traffic is expected at the beginning and end of the weekend.

For more information about Thon weekend, visit thon.org.

This story was originally published February 15, 2018 at 10:29 AM with the headline "Here’s what you need to know about Thon weekend."