Colonial Life Arena

About

At a Glance

With 18,000 seats, the Colonial Life Arena is the largest arena in the state of South Carolina and the tenth-largest on-campus basketball facility in the nation. Located on the beautiful University of South Carolina campus, this one-of-a-kind facility features 41 suites, four Entertainment Suites, and the Frank McGuire Club, a full-service hospitality room that will have a capacity of 300. The state-of-the-art facility also features plush seating, a technologically advanced sound system, a four-sided video scoreboard, and a one-of-a-kind selection of unique concession foods that will delight fans of all ages.

The Colonial Life Arena was chosen by the NCAA to host the first and second rounds of the Men's NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament in 2019. The arena's comfort, state-of-the-art tech, and hospitality offerings made it a perfect venue to host such a high-profile event. Even better is the arena's integration into the city. The Colonial Life Arena is located just south of the Vista, one of Columbia's main entertainment districts, making it a 5-minute walk to lodging, entertainment, and first-class food.

Though best known as a top-ranked basketball facility and home to the Gamecocks Basketball program (including the two-time NCAA Women's Basketball National Champion), we regularly go above and beyond. We've hosted acts like Prince, Elton John, Paul McCartney and Taylor Swift, not to mention comedy shows, monster truck jams, and Disney on Ice (to name a few).

Arena Floor:
17,000 Sq. Ft.

The Frank McGuire Room: 3,960 Sq. Ft.; Capacity 400
Full-Service Hospitality Room Features A Full-Service Kitchen & Two Bar Areas

Front Lobby: 3,000 Sq. Ft.
Uniquely designed, this space features 46 ft. glass panels that fill the rounded front atrium area and provide natural light giving it a dramatic feel.

Hall of Fame Area: 5,560 Sq. Ft.
41 Suites - Each is a unique entertaining space with a private bar area and private restrooms.
The space is located behind the front lobby and can be used in addition to the lobby for extra room.

State-of-the-Art Score Board and Sound System: 20 ft. by 27 ft., the four-sided video scoreboard features almost one hundred sq. ft. of high-definition video and a technologically advanced sound system. The amazing acoustics allows fans to be right in the middle of the action and enhances the entertainment experience.

Plush, Comfortable Seating for 18,000 Spectators: There are 72 ft. between the highest seat and the arena floor, which puts spectators right in the middle of the action.

10 Concession Stands: Offer local fare and fan-favorite food including Shealy's BBQ, Ben and Jerry's, Subway, Domino’s Pizza, Mexican Specialties and Dippin' Dots Ice Cream.

Facility Spaces

  • 17,000 sq. ft. Arena
  • Executive Suites
  • Private Entertainment Suites
  • Restrooms
  • First-Aid
  • Concessions

OnThe Record

“ It is one of the best college sports venues. Electrifying atmosphere and friendly staff and people. We were guests on the opposing team, but they made us feel at home with their warm and welcoming hospitality. ”

- Fred Hintenberger

“ Not a bad seat in the place. ”

- Charles Dameron

“ Great location to see a concert or basketball game...Easy parking close by making it an easy walk to and from. Arena is laid out to be able to find your seats with no problems. ”

- Jimmy McDowell

“ The arena itself was awesome! Lots of ushers that will direct you to the correct seats. Lots of vendors for the event. ”

- Jo McGehee

“ It is Beautiful inside and nice and clean. Looks like it had some updates. Everything was marked well, making it easy to find your seat, as well as anything else you needed. If you had a problem there was plenty of friendly help around. There are concession stands with different types of food. Parking across the street in front of the arena. With a lot of security outside, which I thought was great since it was dark outside. ”

- Kimberly Sibley

“ In the heart of Downtown Columbia, the Colonial Life Arena is the place to be for any major event, concerts and home to the wonderful Gamecocks. ”

- Rasheika Robinson

Here to Help You Plan

Interested in organizing a sporting event in Columbia, SC? Let us make your job easier. We can help you explore venues, price shop hotels, promote your tournament, and more.

Contact Us