With fewer hours, a new venue and a whole lot more room, no one can be absolutely certain how Thon 2007 will play out -- not even the event security.

"We're not quite sure what to expect," Tyrone Parham, assistant director of Penn State University Police, said about staffing the Bryce Jordan Center for its first-ever Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon weekend, beginning at 6 tonight.

One point of reference Parham does have to draw upon, however, is his experience during Thon's switch from the White Building to Rec Hall in 1999, he said.

Parham said, from a security perspective, things got better with the move to a more spacious venue. He said the number of problems decreased when the event relocated because there was more room for people to move around.

The move from Rec Hall to the Jordan Center is a jump from a capacity of 6,846 to more than 13,000.

Thon communications chairman Dan Cocco said he has high expectations for tonight's kick-off turnout.

"We're hoping for a packed house because pre-Thon is definitely a sight to see," he said.

Even if the attendance is only sufficient to have filled up the old Rec Hall, that alone will exceed the 4,833 crowd that cheered on the Nittany Lions basketball team against the No. 2-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes Wednesday night.

Police have experience dealing with a full BJC for events like concerts, professional wrestling and presidential appearances, Parham said. In addition to continuous University Police presence, Thon volunteers will be checking bags upon entering the arena and BJC security will be providing a third layer of safety.

Parham said the main security objectives on Thon weekend are to keep out intoxicated spectators, to aid EMS if any dancers are having problems and to investigate missing or stolen property.

He also said a big issue with Thon at Rec Hall was people clogging up what organizers call "portals" or the entranceways to bleachers and the floor.

"The Jordan Center has numerous portals ... and we'll make sure those will be clear in case there are any emergencies," Parham said.

Another benefit from the move to BJC is the hope that everyone will be able to witness Thon's closing hours on Sunday afternoon. Parham said Sunday afternoons at Rec Hall were standing-room only and police had to close the doors to keep spectators out. He said he doesn't anticipate
having to do that at the BJC.

"We're just hoping that everybody comes and are ready to cheer on the dancers in a safe environment," Cocco said. "They should know the rules and know it's for the kids."