It's the first time in Thon's three years in the Bryce Jordan Center that all gates have been locked, Al Karosas, associate general manager for the BJC, said.

The stands are packed, and no one else is allowed in until people leave.

Karosas and BJC staff are standing at Gate B monitoring the seating area and allowing people to come in as others leave.

There's a line from Gate B extending almost the the Blue Loop stop in front of the BJC. All the other gates are closed.

The best bet for people hoping to come into Thon to see the last hour and a half: Get to the BJC, wait in the line at Gate B and keep your fingers crossed for people to leave.

Ashley Engstrom, a rules and regulations committee member standing at Gate B, said there has been a mass exit after Family Hour, allowing some people to enter.

The doors stayed open for the duration of Thon 2008, Karosas said. Having the doors locked was common at Rec Hall, he added.

This year, he said, overall attendance is up.

The black curtains behind the stage will not be raised, Engstrom said, because that area is being used for storage.

--Rossilynne