Colonial Life Arena

Columbia's arena, first known as the Carolina Center

Colonial Life Arena is the University of South Carolina's arena at 801 Lincoln Street in downtown Columbia. It is the largest arena in South Carolina, seating 18,000 for basketball and 19,000 for concerts, and home to South Carolina Gamecocks men's and women's basketball. It also hosts the state high school basketball championships, touring concerts, wrestling and family shows. For basketball, the best seats are the lower midcourt sections 105 and 114; for value, the upper midcourt sections 208 and 222.

The building opened in November 2002 as the Carolina Center. Unum, the parent of Columbia-based Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company, bought the naming rights in 2003 and the arena became the Colonial Center. On July 22, 2008, the university's board approved the current name, Colonial Life Arena. Older tickets and maps under any of the three names refer to the same arena.

How the 100 level, suite ring and 200 level are numbered

Section numbers here come from the arena's own Gamecock basketball seating map, posted on its event pages, and match the RateYourSeats section directory.

Floor and 100 level: sections 101–118

The lower bowl is an eight-sided ring of 18 sections. Section 105 is midcourt on the side with the scorer's table and the team benches, which sit in front of 104 (home) and 106 (away). Section 114 is midcourt across the floor, with 113 and 115 beside it. The baselines are 109–110 at one end and 118 and 101 at the other; the remaining sections fill the corners. Floor seats along the baselines are labeled with the adjacent section and "FL."

Suite ring and the McGuire Club

Suites numbered 1 to 41 circle the top of the lower bowl, and the Frank McGuire Club runs behind sections 109 and 110.

200 level: sections 201–228

The upper level wraps the arena with 28 sections. Midcourt is 208 above the bench side and 222 across from it, with 206–210 and 220–224 forming the sideline blocks. Sections 214–216 and 228, 201 and 202 sit at the ends.

Best seats for Gamecock basketball and concerts

Gamecock basketball

• Best view: 104–106 and 113–115. Section 114 faces the benches, so you watch the coaches and substitutions head-on; 104–106 put you right behind the teams.
• Best value: 207–209 and 221–223. RateYourSeats rates midcourt the best view at both levels, and the front rows upstairs see the whole floor without the price of the lower sideline.
• Behind the baskets: 109–110 and 101/118 are the cheapest lower-level seats, good for atmosphere and close-up free throws, weaker for following plays.

Concerts

Concert capacity reaches 19,000. For end-stage shows, the side sections closest to the stage give the best raised views, and the sections at the far end face the stage straight on. Center-stage events, such as wrestling, make the midcourt sections on both sides the best seats. Check each event's map for open sections.

Seats to avoid

• Top rows of the 200 corners, where you look down the court's length from the highest point.
• Low rows directly behind the baskets, where the stanchion blocks the far end.
• Sections beside the stage when an event lists them as limited view.

Colonial Life Arena parking

The arena does not own or operate parking; lot owners set rates and payment rules. As of 2026, the arena says parking runs 10 to 30 dollars on event day, with no advance sales. The main public options are the surface lots between Greene and Blossom Streets and the Discovery Garage at 821 Park Street, across from the arena. Accessible parking is available in most lots, and passengers can be dropped at the entrance.

For Gamecock basketball, South Carolina Athletics reserves Lots A and B and the 650 Greene and 650 Lincoln garages for Gamecock Club members with hang tags, though some public parking in Lot B may be offered game by game. The Discovery Garage is open to the public on game days, and the Convention Center lot and City Garage near Pendleton, Park and Lincoln Streets open for some games. Lots open two hours before tip. Check the current details before you go.

The main entrance is at the corner of Greene and Lincoln Streets, with secondary entrances on Greene, Lincoln and College Streets.

Colonial Life Arena clear-bag policy and entry

As of 2026, Colonial Life Arena enforces a clear-bag policy. You may bring a clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches (a logo up to 4.5 by 3.4 inches on one side is fine) or a one-gallon clear freezer bag, plus a small clutch up to 4.5 by 6.5 inches. Medically necessary items are allowed after inspection, and baby supplies must go in a clear bag. Standard and collapsible strollers are prohibited.

• Re-entry: none; tickets scan once.
• Doors: generally one hour before the event or tip-off.
• Tickets: mobile entry through the Ticketmaster app, except some box office purchases.
• Payment: the arena is cashless; reverse ATMs turn cash into a prepaid card.
• Tobacco: the arena is smoke- and vape-free, and the USC campus is tobacco-free.

Check the arena's Know Before You Go page for event-specific rules.

Colonial Life Arena history and big nights

The arena was built for about 65 million dollars and opened in November 2002. The first game, a women's matchup with Clemson, drew a near-sellout 17,712 for a 72–58 South Carolina win, and the men beat Temple 66–47 at the official grand opening on December 2, 2002. The building quickly became a strong touring stop: it ranked 22nd in the world in ticket sales in 2003, and in 2005 it was the top arena in the Carolinas and the second-busiest university arena worldwide for touring shows.

On January 26, 2010, South Carolina's men beat No. 1 Kentucky 68–62 here. In January 2021 the university dedicated a statue of women's basketball star A'ja Wilson near the main entrance. Visit the Wikipedia entry for the full history.

Sources

• Wikipedia – Colonial Life Arena
• Colonial Life Arena – Know Before You Go
• Colonial Life Arena – A–Z Guide
• Colonial Life Arena – Men's Basketball vs. Texas (seating map)
• South Carolina Athletics – Basketball gameday information
• RateYourSeats – Colonial Life Arena sections