THON weekend is finally here, folks! The Bryce Jordan Center is filled with dancers, volunteers and floating Greek letters, all ready to dance For The Kids. This 46-hour dance marathon is no walk in the park, so it is important that you have what you need to stay awake, fresh, and engaged during THON 2026. Luckily, we have compiled a list of what to bring, as well as things you should leave at home to avoid being yelled at by an R&R captain.

What To Pack:

1. Clear Bag/ Fanny Pack: If you need to remember one thing, it is that you must have either a clear bag, resealable gallon zip lock, or a small wallet/ fanny pack to enter the BJC. Any large, non-clear bags or backpacks will not be permitted to enter. Your clear bag/ fanny pack will ensure that you do not lose any valuable items to the void of the BJC stands.
2. Reuseable Water Bottle: A reuseable water bottle is an essential for THON weekend, as it is important to stay hydrated while standing FTK. This will also help you save your money (and the environment) from buying plastic water bottles.
3. Body Spray/Deodorant: Participating in a 46-hour dance marathon means that deodorant reapplications are a must. The BJC stands are packed in tight, so a spritz of body spray or a swipe of deodorant will be much appreciated by those around you.
4. Change of Clothes/ Sweatshirt: On theme with smelling good, make sure you bring an extra t-shirt or shorts to stay feeling fresh. The BJC is known for being both hot and cold at times, so having clothes for every temperature will ensure you are not sweating or freeing in the BJC stands.
5. A Positive Attitude: When the lack of sleep starts to set in, having a positive attitude is key to carrying you until Final Four. You are taking part in the largest student-run philanthropy event! Remember who you are doing this for…. FTK!
6. Chargers: There is nothing worse than having a dead phone at THON. A charger is a must to make sure you can film the various events, snap photos with your friends and scroll on TikTok during the late hours of the night.
7. Wallet: Despite your intention to save money, after seeing the THON 2026 merch, you definitely want to have your wallet on hand throughout the weekend.

What NOT To Pack:

1. Outside Food or Drink: Unfortunately, the BJC prohibits outside food or drink. So, get ready to purchase your late-night snacks, meals, and drinks from the BJC concession stands.
2. Alcohol/Drugs: This should be an obvious one, but it still needs to be said. Absolutely no drugs or alcohol can be brought into the BJC during THON Weekend. This is not a concert, so please leave the vapes and shooters at home.
3. Caffeine: It may seem like a good idea to bring an energy drink to an event that requires you to be awake at odds hours, but it is best to leave the caffeine at home. It may give you the boost you need, but it will lead to an even bigger crash later. Instead, get your needed recharge from dancing the line dance!
4. Slippers/Sandals: Slides, slippers and flipflops are comfortable, but it is in your best interest to wear sneakers that can support you during the entire weekend. You want to leave THON weekend 2026 feeling inspired and a little sleep deprived, not with blisters.
5. Anything Valuable: THON is not the event to bring your most beloved, valuable items. The BJC stands are packed, which means it is easy to loose track of items over the course of the weekend. So, be sure to bring things that you would not be sad parting with.
6. Pillow: The late hours of the night at THON may have you missing your pillow, but please do not bring it to THON. Sleeping, sitting or laying down are all strictly prohibited.
7. Wet Hair: While this not something you can necessarily pack, please do not come to the BJC with wet hair if you plan to go on the floor. This is to respect the dancers who do not want to know the time, as wet hair may signal what time of day it is. To keep the best interest of the dancers in mind, be sure to dry your hair before entering the BJC floor.