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iSpy: THON 2023 Edition

Line dances, surprise concerts, and a variety of games entertain dancers and supporters in the stands throughout the 46 hours of THON Weekend. Between events, your eyes will wander, and you’ll see things you would’ve never expected.

Between the Orange Inflatable Girl and a Governor Josh Shapiro cameo, there’s always a new character to perceive and a new activity to inspect. At the very least, having a watchful eye will help pass the time.

With this year’s edition of iSpy, embrace your eagle eyes and take a gaze around the Bryce Jordan Center.

1. Five Different Color Bandanas

This year, many dancers and spectators elected to rock the bandana look. A bandana is a great way to cover up the messy hair you’ll inevitably have after spending hours in the BJC. There are bandanas of all colors that match perfectly (or not so perfectly) with the rest of people’s outfits. Say ~ROYGBIV~ out loud and begin.

2. Broken Cardboard Letters

Every year, Greek organizations bring huge cardboard cutout letters to the BJC. Signs are to be held high and proud, but, at times, fatigue wins. These signs are often dropped, stepped on, or simply overcome by the war of attrition. Broken letters are bound to grace the BJC’s grandstands this weekend.

3. Closed Portals

In order to control how many people can get into sections, portals are closed at certain times throughout the weekend. Chances are, a portal might be shut down while you’re in the middle of a bathroom break or water bottle refill.

4. A Pink, Fuzzy Hat

If you’ve been walking around the concourse, you’ve likely encountered a few pink, fuzzy hats. What you may not know is that it’s a THON org’s long-standing tradition. Dozens of Atlas members are wearing these hats in celebration of the Victoria Smith family. THON has seen Atlas’ accessories since the tradition began in 2006. Bonus points if you find one of the six dancers wearing them, too.

5. A Michael Jordan Reference

The year is 2023, also known as the “Jordan Year.” Multiple organizations, including the Dancer Relations captains, will make sure you won’t forget that. Friday just happened to be MJ’s 60th birthday, too.

6. A Person That Matches A Fathead

One way organizations encourage their dancers is by putting individual faces on large, Fathead-branded cutouts. Usually, these aren’t particularly attractive and are just used to make them smile. It could be a fun challenge to match these fatheads to the person on it.

7. The Nittany Lion

A constant mainstay throughout THON is the Nittany Lion’s presence. Whether it’s on the the floor, stage, or concourse, “The Symbol Of Our Best” is bound to make an appearance here and there.

8. Brad Kraut

It wouldn’t be right to mention the Nittany Lion without bringing out the “Academic Weapon.” Kraut won a thriller of a lip-sync battle in the first hour of THON, but he’s bound to reappear, right?

9. A Different College Logo

THON is the biggest display of Penn State school spirit there is. Yet, people still wear apparel from other universities. So, take a gaze and try to find someone repping a mascot other than the Nittany Lion.

Hint: Look at hats!

10. A Book Being Read

The sad reality is that we still have class on Monday. Deadlines don’t cease to exist, so what better way to use your time than read a book? You could even strike up a conversation with an astute Penn Stater if you’re really bored.

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About the Author

Brady Miller

Brady is a senior public relations major who originates from the cornfields of Schuylkill County, PA. He spends most of his time watching the Philadelphia Phillies blow leads and the New England Patriots struggle to score points. When not watching sports, Brady is most likely "studying" or with his friends. Follow him on Twitter @_bMiLL_32 to see mostly retweets of whatever is going through Marlon Humphrey's head, or you can email him at [email protected].

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