UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The 2026 Penn State THON Weekend will be held at the Bryce Jordan Center (BJC) from 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, through 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22. A comprehensive spectator resource packet has been released, providing information for visitors and community members who plan to attend.
THON — the largest student-run philanthropy in the world — is dedicated to spreading awareness, funding research and providing support to children affected by childhood cancer. The 46-hour dance marathon is a culmination of yearlong fundraising and awareness efforts and brings thousands of visitors to the University Park campus each year. In 2026, more than 700 dancers are expected to stand on their feet during the event to raise money for Four Diamonds.
Topics covered in the spectator resource packet include:
General public entrance and access
Entrance to THON is free and open to the public, and does not require a ticket to attend. General spectators should enter the BJC through the will-call line 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 enter a digital line to return to the building. Alternatively, THON spectators can check the status of the building capacity at the THON Weekend website.
Clear bag policy and prohibited items
Before entry, all attendees must pass through a metal detector and may be subject to a bag check.
All general spectators must follow THON’s clear-bag policy, which 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, as well as backpacks, diaper bags and camera bags are among the types of bags not permitted. Food and beverage items are prohibited; however, empty reusable water bottles are allowed. Other prohibited items include, but are not limited to: inflatable objects or balloons, weapons of any kind, liquids (excluding sealed bubbles), glitter and silly string, among others. 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.
Accommodations can be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.
Attendees should refer to the spectator resource packet for more information on THON’s bag policy and a full list of prohibited items.
Accessibility information
Spectators are asked to stand at all times while in the arena. Visitors who need to sit for medical reasons can request a medical wristband from a member of the Rules and Regulations Committee.
ADA-accessible entrances, transit points, seat locations and parking are available. More information on ADA accessibility can be found in the spectator resource packet.
A sensory safe space will be located on the concourse near Portal 28 and is available to all spectators. Sensory bags are also available at the same location. Find more information on THON’s website.
Parking
Free parking during THON Weekend is available in the Stadium West, Jordan East and Porter North parking lots near the Bryce Jordan Center. Signs in these lots state that parking is prohibited between 2 and 4 a.m.; however, this constraint has been lifted for THON Weekend and there will be no parking time limits throughout the weekend.
The THON spectator resource packet contains a color-coded map of parking lots and detailed driving directions. Additional weekend parking information can be found on Penn State News.
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.
Livestream
Members of the public unable to attend in person will be able to watch the event remotely on the THON livestream. The 46Live preshow will begin at 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20.
For more information on THON Weekend, refer to the spectator resource packet or visit THON.org.