It’s almost time for THON 2022.

In less than two weeks, the Bryce Jordan Center will be packed with dancers, students, and other spectators for the annual 46-hour dance marathon. THON Weekend is always a blast, but it can also will be chaotic and a bit stressful, too.

To help prepare for what’s to come, we compiled a short list of things to keep in mind as THON rapidly approaches.

Get Caught Up On COVID-19 Guidelines

The first thing you should do when preparing for THON 2022 is read up on the event’s COVID-19 protocols. Any student or employee who plans on accessing the BJC’s floor or mezzanine must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Booster shots aren’t necessary to meet the requirement, but they’re “strongly encouraged.”

With that said, remember to bring your proof of vaccination, folks. Your physical vaccine card or an image of it found through your myUHS account will do the trick.

Spectators ages 2 and older who don’t plan on accessing the floor or mezzanine will either need to show proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test from February 16 onward.

Other protocols include mask-wearing at all times and additional testing for dancers, among other guidelines. The full list of THON 2022’s protocols can be found here.

Get A Clear Bag

In cooperation with the BJC’s bag policy, no backpacks will be allowed at THON 2022 for spectators. Clear bags no larger than 12″x 12″ x 6″ will be allowed, with a limit of one bag per guest.

Only press entering through the Show & Media Entrance will be permitted to bring in backpacks and necessary equipment. Everyone else, including media entering through Gate C, must cooperate with the venue’s clear bag policy.

If you plan on bringing a clear bag to THON, we suggest you find one as soon as possible. You, along with thousands of others going to the BJC that weekend, are probably going to need one.

Be Extra Careful & Smart During The Lead Up

Let’s remember that COVID-19 is still a thing. We suggest that everyone, especially if you’re a dancer or a THON volunteer, do their part to make sure the event runs as smoothly as possible. There are going to be a lot of people in the BJC that weekend, so just be considerate of others.

Additionally, it’s important to remember THON’s purpose. This is about the kids, so let’s be conscious of them. While children who are actively receiving treatment are, unfortunately, unable to attend in person, we should still do everything we can to ensure the kids attending have a safe, fun experience.

Take matters into your own hands by self-quarantining at home or at least avoiding packed bars and arenas leading up to THON 2022. Get tested and stay safe!

Take Care Of Your Other Responsibilities Beforehand

All right, fellow procrastinators: This is directed at us. Get your shit done ahead of time.

If you have an assignment due Sunday night or even on Monday, just do it before THON Weekend starts. You’re going to be exhausted by the time Sunday rolls around, and the last thing you’re going to want to do is write a four-page, single-spaced paper on a topic you couldn’t care less about.

Get all the stressful stuff out of the way first so you’re able to enjoy the weekend and sleep once dancers sit.

Start Training

This is especially for dancers, but even if you plan on attending THON for a long period of time, do some cardio ahead of time. Standing or volunteering for 46 straight hours isn’t an easy task, so some preparation would go a long way.

Your legs are going to get sore. That’s a given. But, if you prepare ahead of time with plenty of stretching and some cardio, you’ll be a-OK.

Sleep

Do we really need to explain this one? If you take away only one thing from this post, get some sleep before THON Weekend. It’s going to be hard to come by once February 18 rolls around.

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We dance in 10, Penn State!