The Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (Thon) has spent its last days in Rec Hall.

Next year, the Bryce Jordan Center will play host to the 48-hour event, instead of the venue that has hosted it for the past seven years.

But this is not the first time that Thon has outgrown its venue because of the event's continued growth over the years. In 1979, it moved from the former HUB ballroom to the White Building, and moved from the White Building to Rec Hall.

The larger facility will likely change the atmosphere, as those previous moves probably did as well, potentially making it less intimate. Especially at the times when the arena isn't packed, the bigger setting may make the audience feel less connected to the event. This could also be a chance for the event to become more corporate, with more opportunities for advertising and a wider audience to which advertisers can appeal.

However, more advertising and corporate involvement will probably result in more money raised, which is what is important in the first place. While the atmosphere of Thon is one of its unique characteristics, fundraising is the ultimate goal.

A bigger venue also means more space, and more space means more people can be accommodated. Potentially more students can get involved, whether it be by dancing, cheering for and visiting the dancers, or simply watching from the stands.

It is also likely that those who would otherwise stay home rather than brave the crowds at Rec Hall will be encouraged to come out and see what Thon is all about.

Moving to the BJC will also allow more people to attend the announcement of the total amount of money raised. In the past, organizers have turned away people who wanted to watch the announcement because of space restrictions.

The BJC is just as accessible as, if not more than Rec Hall. The Blue and White loops go to the BJC, and the parking situation there is infinitely better than that of West Campus.

A different venue may change Thon, but it will not change the purpose of the event. It may even help Thon reach higher goals -- both in participation and fundraising -- than it ever could at Rec Hall.