THON weekend is quickly approaching, and supporters are starting to plan their attendance for the anticipated event. However, if you were counting on Pegula Ice Arena to host any overflow from a BJC that is filled to capacity, think again — Pegula will only be open to THON overflow for the final eight hours.

Last year, due to the implementation of a new digital line procedure and a concern for the health of those waiting in the cold, Pegula Ice Arena allowed visitors to occupy the building as they waited for entry into the BJC. In Pegula, visitors could charge their phones, sit and relax, and watch the THON live stream on the Jumbotron as they waited to receive a text from the BJC.

However, this year, the luxury (and warmth) of Pegula won’t be available for the majority of the weekend. With home hockey games scheduled on both Friday and Saturday evenings, Pegula and its parking area will be unavailable for THON supporters to use at these times.

According to Mike Wierzbicki, the marketing manager of Pegula, the building will open up at 8 a.m. on Sunday for THON visitor overflow and parking. At that point, it will operate as it did last year, housing the waiting visitors and providing a live stream of THON.

Although these limited hours may be a hinderance for THON-goers during this particularly cold winter, those who are unable to make it into the BJC for THON’s final four hours will still be able to view it live inside Pegula.

Photo: Dave Cole/Onward State