UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The 2025 Penn State THON Weekend will be held at the Bryce Jordan Center (BJC) from 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, through 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23.
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 2025, 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 BJC through the general spectator line at will call via the 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/.
There is no way to predict when the building will either close or reopen; however, high-traffic times typically include Friday night, Saturday afternoon and evening, and late Sunday morning. 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. Pets, comfort animals or emotional support animals, with the exception of service dogs specifically trained to aid an individual with a disability, will not be allowed in the venue.
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.
Accessibility 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 request a medical wristband from a member of the Rules and Regulations Committee.
ADA-accessible entrances, seat locations and parking are available. Refer to the spectator resource packet for information.
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 distribute 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.
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.
The no-fare Campus Shuttle will operate on its normal service schedule on Friday, but delays are possible during scheduled road closures.
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.
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. 21 to 23. 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.
Livestream
Members of the public unable to attend in person will be able to watch the event remotely on the THON livestream hosted at thon.org/livestream.
For more information on THON Weekend, refer to the spectator resource packet or visit THON.org.