While plenty of committees have years of history behind them, the Crowd Entertainment Committee is freshly new to THON. This is the Crowd Entertainment Committee’s second year in existence, and it’s already doubled in size compared to 2016.

The Crowd Entertainment began as one small committee within THON Entertainment. Upon the Entertainment Captains realizing help within the stands and on the floor was critical, Crowd Entertainment grew to two committees of 25 members – lead by captains Simone Yaghi and Chris Bagnick.

While committee members like Dancer Relations spend time encouraging and keeping spirits high amongst the dancers, the Crowd Entertainment committee does a similar job — but within the stands.

“You wouldn’t think those supporting THON within the stands would need much help staying excited during THON, but they do.” Entertainment Captain, Chris Bagnick, explains. “Standing there for long periods of time is draining, and our committees help bring energy and enthusiasm back to the supporters when morale is low.”

The committee spends time splitting up into small groups and taking to the stands. They play various games with organizations, clubs, and spectators such as Pictionary, Finish That Lyric, Where’s Waldo, riddles, and even “Guess That Cereal.” The students and volunteers are awarded with snacks, giftcards, and of course — a unique, fun experience and rejuvenation.

When the committee members aren’t busy pepping up the stands, they spend their time on the floor assisting with other tasks. The members spend time operating the cameras and manning the PRENTRANCE media pass area. They are also responsible for escorting the teams from the Pep Rally into the Bryce Jordan Center, and ensuring that event is on track. The teams also assist with BJC floor set up, where they assist stage crew before THON’s commencement.

“Our committee is so unique,” committee member Mitch Rosen comments, “Games like “Guess That Cereal” are so interactive and really wake up everyone in the stands, keeping them occupied. It’s a ton of fun.”

So if you’re noticing a newfound perkiness among the crowds in the BJC this year, you can thank the Crowd Entertainment Committees.