THON is a wide-reaching organization with many moving parts, arguably enough to fill an entire alphabet. To help you pass the time during these 46 hours, we have compiled THON terms, themes, and related words from “A” to “Z.”

Feel free to read over this list while waiting in line for the water foundation, eating your BJC concessions, or if you need a quick refresh of your THON knowledge.

A- Annual

THON is an annual event. Every year, in the month of February, State College becomes the City of THON to dance FTK. THON 2026 is the 54th annual THON Weekend!

B- Bryce Jordan Center

B is for the location of THON Weekend, the BJC. This is the magical place that every dancer, volunteer and spectator in the stands will call home for the next 46 hours.

C- Chicken Basket

C is for the iconic meal of THON Weekend. Whether it be 6 a.m. or 10 p.m., rules do not apply when it comes to eating a chicken basket around the BJC concourse. No matter where you stand in the BJC, the scent of a warm chicken basket will always be close by. You might as well go get one after reading this article.

D- Donations

Donations made by generous donors is what makes THON possible. Last year, THON was able to raise $17,737,040.93, thanks to all of the incredible donors throughout the year. While THON 2026 is underway, it is not too late to donate. Check out our article on how to donate throughout the weekend!

E- Energy

Staying awake for 46 hours is not an easy feat. Maintaining a high energy level is crucial to lasting until Sunday at 4:00 p.m. One great way to keep your energy up during THON Weekend 2026 is to take the Onward State THON trivia quiz!

F- For The Kids (FTK)

F is for the reason we are all here. FTK always!

G- Greek Letters

No matter where you are in the BJC, you will be able to spot various letters swaying in the stands. At all hours, these letters are held up high to represent the various fraternities, sororities, THON organizations, and other on-campus clubs that support THON.

H- Happy Valley Hospitality

While this phrase is typically said at football games, it is important to maintain a version of Happy Valley hospitality at THON. To do this, make sure that you throw out your trash and do not start any fights within the stands. This will make the jobs of the THON volunteers so much easier and ensure a safe and clean THON Weekend 2026.

I- Inspire

You cannot stand in a packed BJC on THON Weekend and not help but feel inspired. THON children and their families inspire everyone, from the dancers on the floor to the spectators in the stands. Their resiliency in the face of immense hardship and their ability to persevere are nothing short of inspiring, and therefore, it deserves its own letter.

J- Just Keep Dancing

The golden rule of thriving during THON. When the hours start to wear on you, just keep dancing. There is always a performer singing or music blaring to make this an easy task. And claiming that you “don’t dance” is not an excuse. This is FTK after all, so dance!

K- Kids

Once again, the reason we are all here is for the THON kids. We stand and dance across these 46 hours for them. Even though we already have FTK on the list, the kids deserve a second letter.

L- Love Leads Forward

L is for this year’s THON 2026 theme. It perfectly captures the mission of THON, as every volunteer and dancer is dedicated to leading with love, FTK.

M- Mail

Dancer mail is a special time during THON weekend where dancers are able to receive letters from their family and friends. Reading words of encouragement, affirmations and even inside jokes all help motivate the dancers to push through during these 46 hours.

N- National Act

The National Act is a beloved event at each year’s THON. This year, Fitz and The Tantrums rocked the BJC with their electric performance. The perfect way to start THON weekend!

O- Onward State

Of course, we had to include your favorite student-run blog that is keeping you updated on THON Weekend 2026. Our staffers are dedicated to providing the best content for all 46 hours. Be sure to keep up to date with our live blog and our Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.

P- Pep Rally

The THON Pep Rally is one of my most anticipated events of the weekend, taking place on Saturday night. This is where all of the Penn State athletic teams get to perform a choreographed dance for the entire BJC. Where else do you get to see all of the men’s and women’s sports teams have a major dance party? The THON Pep Rally never disappoints.

Q- Queue

Whether it be for the bathroom, the water foundation or the BJC concession stands, THON is known for its long queues. So, be sure to pack your patience in addition to your tennis balls and waterbottle.

R- Reputation

The first THON took place in 1973, meaning the organization has a long reputation of dancing FTK. Even if someone is not a Penn State student or from State College, THON’s reputation of raising money for a cure is recognized around the world. Participating or attending THON in any capacity contributes to the renowned reputation of the organization.

S- Six-Seven

Whether you are tired of hearing it or can’t get enough, this is by far the most popular pop-culture mention in the THON 2026 Line Dance.

T- Total Reveal

The event to mark the end of THON Weekend, where the total amount of money raised is revealed on giant numbered signs to the entire BJC. The moment is full of tears, surprise, and joy as THON continues to surpass fundraising expectations. It is the moment that makes the entire weekend worth it, and finally see how much was raised FTK!

U- Under the Lights

The multi-colored, flashing lights of the BJC are an important part of THON Weekend 2026. Flashing in time with the music, the BJC lighting helps keep the good vibes going into the late hours of the night.

V- Volunteers

THON is only able to run smoothly due to the hard work and dedication of hundreds of volunteers and committee members. These volunteers are the ones serving you food, cleaning up the bathrooms, and managing the portals, so be sure to throw a “thank you” their way. You can spot them in their brightly colored shirts, each representing a different THON committee.

W- Waterbottle

This is one item that is a must for THON. With 46 hours full of dancing FTK, having a water bottle handy to quench your thirst will make sure you stay healthy and hydrated this weekend. However, do not drink your water too fast, as there is going to be a line for the water foundation.

X- X, Formerly Known as Twitter

For all of your THON updates, be sure to follow Onward State’s sports X account @OnwardStSports. Our staffers are providing minute-by-minute updates of what is going on at the BJC for the entire 46 hours.

Y- Year-Long Effort

THON does not happen overnight, as it takes a year of calculated and united effort to prepare for this large-scale event. THON 2026 is the culmination of weekly committee meetings, countless fundraising events, and THON family outreach events. THON Weekend is the celebration of this year-long effort, so enjoy it!

Z- Zero-Sitting

This is a 46-hour dancing marathon, which means no sitting for any reason (unless you are on press row of course).