In preparation for the Penn State Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, many dancers have gone weeks without visiting the local bars which may lead to a big celebration come Monday night. To show its gratitude to the dedicated dancers, the Phyrst will offer cover-free admittance for all participating dancers the week after THON.

In order to receive free cover, students must present their dancer numbers at the Phyrst where an employee will cross-reference each number with the name listed on a sign-in sheet. After, dancers will receive a wristband which will grant them free entrance every night from Feb. 22 to the 27.

“This is our first time hosting anything related to THON,” Phyrst employee Cassandra Fullington said. “We really want to give the dancers a chance to celebrate for all their hard work.”

In addition to free cover, dancers can also enjoy local bands performing at the downtown bar every night of the week leading into State Patty’s Day.

After performing at THON, Go Go Gadjet will head down to the Phyrst and play Monday night at 10:30 p.m. Other THON bands performing at the Phyrst include: My Hero Zero Tuesday night at 10:30 p.m., The Rockets Wednesday night at 10:30 p.m., JJ & Richie at 8 p.m. and JJ Rupp Band at 10:30 p.m. Thursday, My Hero Zero’s Jason O at 7 p.m. and Ted McCloskey & The Hi-Fi’s at 10:30 p.m. on Friday, with Lenina Crowne at 7 p.m. and Lowjack at 10:30 p.m. ending the week-long performances on Saturday.

Fullington said the performing bands will give dancers a unique opportunity to interact with one another after THON.

While many students dancing in THON are looking forward to the free cover and live performances the Phyrst has to offer, students under 21 will not be able to enjoy the opportunity.

Dancers under 21 have the option of giving their wristbands to a friend who is legal age but there is no alternative venue planned for underage dancers, Fullington said.

Caroline Deakins, who will be dancing for the Penn State Lion Scouts, said she does not feel excluded by the event.

“I have a lot of exams to study for so I wouldn’t really have time to go the Phyrst if I was over 21,” Deakins (junior-industrial engineering) said.

“I’m sure it’ll be a fun time and it’s a great concept for local businesses to thank dancers but I’ll be celebrating in my own way,” Deakins said. “I’m very excited to drink coffee again and reminiscence with my committee in the future.”

“Some dancers will be missing out on a fun opportunity,” Independent Dancer Samantha Buffoni said.

The Phyrst could offer a free or discounted meal from Ernie’s Cheesesteaks to keep underage dancers from feeling left out, however, Buffoni (senior-human development and family studies) said she is happy it is live performances that are being promoted rather than drinking.

“I think it’s great that the Phyrst is giving back to the people who participate in THON,” Independent Dancer Samantha Buffoni said. “My major has kept me pretty busy on weekends this past semester but I’ll try to take advantage of the opportunity to see so many great bands.”

To read the article which was originally published on The Daily Collegian, click here.