Thon weekend kicks off at Penn State. What to know about parking, donating, more
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Thon runs a 46-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon starting Friday
- Event is free; attendees get wristbands at Will Call and face capacity limits
- Thon has raised over $254 million for Four Diamonds since 1973
Thon weekend will kick off on Friday, where hundreds of Penn State students and others will participate in a 46-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon, the finale of a yearlong fundraising effort to fight pediatric cancer.
Thousands of people will pack the Bryce Jordan Center to watch the more than 700 dancers beginning at 6 p.m. Friday through 4 p.m. Sunday. Thon weekend has live music, performances, games, challenges and more. In the past, Thon has had special performances by The Fray, Natasha Bedingfield and Walk the Moon.
The largest student-run philanthropy in the world, Thon has been around since 1973. Since it partnered with its sole beneficiary, Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital in Hershey, it has raised more than $254 million. The money raised ensures that thousands of families never see a medical bill or the financial burden of cancer, Thon’s website states. Donations also help fund cancer research. Thon pairs student volunteers with Four Diamonds families and plans events throughout the year that give hope and support to families fighting childhood cancer.
How to attend Thon
Thon is free to attend and open to the public. General attendees can enter the Bryce Jordan Center through the “Will Call” line via the BJC Ticketing Office, between gates A and B on the side of the building facing Curtin Road, the university wrote in a press release. People will receive a wristband that is used for the weekend; it must be worn at all times inside the building.
It’s likely that the BJC will reach maximum capacity throughout the weekend, which will cause a “building closure.” During those times, spectators won’t be allowed to enter the building. But the BJC will reopen once attendance within the building has reached a low enough number. In the event of a building closure, spectators can go to the will-call office and enter a digital line to return to the building, the release states. Anyone can check the status of the building capacity at the Thon website, thon.org/thon-events/thon-weekend. The site states high traffic times are usually Friday night, Saturday afternoon and evening, and late Sunday morning.
Before entering the BJC, everyone will need to pass through a metal detector and may have their bag checked. Thon has a clear-bag policy that places restrictions on the size and type of bag that can be brought inside.
People are expected to stand the entire time they’re in the arena. Those who need to sit for medical reasons can get a medical wristband from a member of the Rules and Regulations Committee.
If someone is unable to attend Thon in person but wants to follow what is happening, there is a Thon livestream at thon.org/thon-events/livestream.
A full spectator’s guide is available online through Thon’s website.
How to support Thon
The first year Thon was held, it was a 30-hour dance marathon and raised more than $2,000. It has since grown and last year broke its fundraising record with more than $17.7 million raised.
Thon donations are accepted year-round before officials reveal the annual fundraising total shortly after dancers finally sit Sunday afternoon. Supporters can donate online at donate.thon.org. Donations have to be a minimum of $5 and can be a one-time donation or a monthly donation.
Of every dollar raised, 96 cents goes to Four Diamonds.
According to Thon’s donations page, here’s what contributions can help cover for pediatric cancer patients and their families:
- $150 covers prescription drug co-pays for one day
- $300 funds pastoral care for one day
- $500 funds art therapy for one week
- $1,000 funds a dedicated social work team for one day
- $2,500 funds a small research experiment
Parking, transportation & traffic
Free parking is available at the Stadium West, Jordan East and Porter North parking lots, the university said, and parking constraints and limits have been lifted for the weekend in those lots. Stadium West will be closed to Thon traffic from noon Friday until 8 p.m. Saturday due to men’s hockey games.
These areas are expected to reach capacity throughout the weekend. Motorists should use extra caution in the area as there will be heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Those attending Thon are encouraged to walk, bike or use transit instead of driving.
CATA will operate as normal this weekend, but delays are possible. The free campus shuttle will also operate as normal on Friday but with potential delays.
The Orange L East, Orange L South and a section of Jordan East lots will be reserved for Thon families, Friday through Sunday. The small Jordan East lot across from the All-Sports Museum will be used for ADA parking for Thon.
Thon dancer drop-off will be at the Silver J lot from about 2:15-4:15 p.m. Friday. Parking there will remain open for permit holders, but traffic will be heavy in the area and near the intersection of Hastings and Bigler Road.
There will be some temporarily road closures on Friday for dancer arrival:
- Curtin Road, from University Drive to Porter Road, from 2-7 p.m. (all traffic must enter and exit Jordan East from Porter Road or University Drive via Dauer Drive
- University Drive from Hastings Road to Curtin Road, from 4:15-4:30 p.m.
Penn State has an interactive map available to show event venues, parking areas and restricted parking areas.
Other events
A number of Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics events are scheduled for the weekend, so attendees should expect delays and give themselves plenty of time for arrival and departure due to heavy traffic.
Friday
- All day – Track and Field at the Indoor Multisport Facility
- 6 p.m. – Men’s volleyball vs. Harvard at Rec Hall
- 7 p.m. – Wrestling vs. Princeton at Rec Hall
- 8:30 p.m. – Men’s ice hockey vs. Ohio State at Pegula Ice Arena
Saturday
- 3 p.m. – Men’s volleyball vs. Harvard at Rec Hall
- 8 p.m. – Men’s ice hockey vs. Ohio State at Pegula Ice Arena
Those attending athletic events can buy single game parking via ParkWhiz $5.60 through 11:59 p.m. the night before the event. Those who do not prepay or have a valid Penn State permit can purchase parking for $10 the day of through HONK zone PSUCR. Hourly parking is available in the East Desk as well.
