More details are emerging about THON’s new digital line procedure to help alleviate the capacity issues that have arisen in recent years.

Every spectator will be given a numbered bracelet from the time of initial entry into the BJC, which will also keep track of how many people exactly are coming in. Bracelets are forfeited upon exiting. Once the BJC nears capacity, the doors will close, and spectators will need to go to the will call window outside to pick up bracelets. Numbers eligible to admission to the BJC will be tweeted out by THON and also put on a special website. Pegula Ice Arena will be open for people to wait and watch a live stream, and 45 minutes will be granted once numbers are called to return to Gate A at the BJC.

There are few notes on the bag policy, too. According to THON, “spectators may bring in small purses, fanny packs, drawstring bags, and medical bags, all of which are subject to inspection,” however “large bags, backpacks, totes, or coolers will not be permitted inside the facility.” That’s a little different than the regular BJC bag policy that prohibits all kinds of bags, so it’s good the fanny pack tradition won’t die this year.

Here is the entire set of procedures for the weekend according to Public Relations Director Dana Giacobello:

• All spectators in the BJC will have a digitally coded bracelet.

  • After initial entry, spectators can receive these via the Will Call area throughout THON Weekend.

  • Spectators will be allowed in via Gate A only.

  • Spectators can exit via Gates A, B or C, but need to be scanned out by a Rules & Regulations Committee Member.

  • Once you have left the building, your current bracelet is no longer valid and you must obtain a new one if you wish to reenter the building at a later time.

• When the BJC is full:

  • As the BJC reaches capacity, we will close the doors to spectators.

  • At this time, a digital queue will begin, based on the number listed on your bracelet.

  • The first person not able to enter the building at the current time will be first in the digital line, with all numbers following sequentially.

  • As spectators exit and space in the building becomes available, spectators will be called back based on this line.

• Each hour on the hour, THON will release information regarding space in the building.

  • If spectators are allowed entry, you will see a range of numbers (based on your bracelet) being allowed access. Only numbers in this sequence will be allowed entry.

  • Numbers in the given sequence will have 45 minutes to return to the BJC and gain entry.

  • Anyone returning after 45 minutes will be turned away and need to obtain a new bracelet.

• There are several ways to find out what numbers are currently being let into the BJC.

  • THON will update thon.org/THONWeekendUpdate with information regarding valid ranges.

  • THON’s social media accounts will release the ranges as well.

  • When Pegula is open, there will be live announcements made as the ranges are released.

  • Text THONUPD8 to 50555 to join the PSU THON mobile community.

    • SMS Subscription service. Up to 4msg/mo. Msg&Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to 50555 to STOP. Full Terms: mGive.com/E Privacy Policy: mGive.org/P

• The Pegula Ice Arena will be used in partnership with the Digital Line Management System as an auxiliary viewing area THON Weekend.

  • Pegula will be opened during designated times THON Weekend. Spectators will be notified via the same outlets as listed for the Digital Line Management System when Pegula is opening.

  • All those waiting in the digital line will be able to utilize this area until their number becomes valid.  Announcements for building entry will be made in Pegula.

• THON will be following the Bryce Jordan Center’s bag policy guidelines.

  • Spectators may bring in small purses, fanny packs, drawstring bags, and medical bags, all of which are subject to inspection.

  • Large bags, backpacks, totes, or coolers will not be permitted inside the facility.

A video with this information and a demonstration of the protocol for entering and exiting the Bryce Jordan Center can be found here.