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Frequently Asked Questions

What prohibited items are not allowed in the Colonial Life Arena?

List of Prohibited Items at the Colonial Life Arena

  • Outside food and beverages
  • No smoking (this includes e-cigarettes and vape pens)
  • Golf umbrellas/Large umbrellas
  • Binoculars magnifying device or telescope (varies by event)
  • Strollers (Except those modified to accommodate HC patrons)
  • Laser pointers
  • Bull horns and noisemakers
  • Confetti
  • Fireworks, firearms or weapons of any kind (that includes mace)
  • Framed backpacks
  • Glass bottles, aluminum cans or empty bottles of any kind
  • Banner size posters (subject to change depending on event)
  • Ice chests (coolers) or thermos containers
  • Distribution of leaflets and brochures
  • Aerosol cans
  • Skateboards or roller blades
  • Stools or folding chairs
  • Water Bottles or Mugs
  • Animals (unless certified for the disabled)
  • Beach balls and other inflatable items
  • Balloons (including helium)
  • Professional Cameras/Extended Lenses/Professional Photography Equipment
  • Selfie Sticks
  • Laptops
  • Tablets (except for Gamecock Athletic Events)
  • Video cameras (unless otherwise specified by the event)
  • Bags are subject to search at all events

Colonial Life Arena is a non-smoking and non-vaping facility with a no re-entry policy.
For the health and well-being of all Gamecocks, the Columbia campus is a completely tobacco-free campus. All forms of tobacco use are prohibited on all University of South Carolina leased, owned and controlled property and in vehicles parked on University of South Carolina property. For more information visit sc.edu/tobaccofreeusc 

Management reserves the right to adjust these policies at any time with no prior notification.

How can I purchase tickets to an event at the Arena?

For your convenience, the following options are available for purchasing tickets for Colonial Life Arena events:

  • Prisma Health Box Office inside the Colonial Life Arena located down the stairs in the front atrium. Open on Tuesdays 9 AM - 5 PM and event days only - varying times by event. See individual event pages for specific information.
  • Online at ticketmaster.com or here on ColonialLifeArena.com, locate the event for which you would like to purchase tickets and click the “order tickets” button next to the date of the event.
  • Mobile App: Ticketmaster.com/mobile

Does the Box Office Accept CashApp or Apple Pay?

No forms of electronic payment (ie CashApp, Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc) are accepted at the Prisma Health Box Office inside Colonial Life Arena. Checks are also not accepted. Approved methods of payment include cash, Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover. Photo IDs must be presented for all transactions and if paying by credit or debit card, the ID must match the name on the card.

Who shall I contact regarding renting the Arena?

Whether you are a promoter planning to bring an act to South Carolina or a local business looking for a unique place to hold your next company meeting - The Colonial Life Arena has the space you're looking for. For further information and for available dates, contact us here.

What are the video and camera policies for the Colonial Life Arena?

Non-professional (under 200 mm without a detachable lens) cameras are permitted in the arena for most Colonial Life Arena events, as long as no flash is used. Professional photography is prohibited. Video cameras are usually prohibited, unless prearranged before the event. If you have a digital camera, the same zoom restrictions apply (under 200mm without a detachable lens). If your digital camera has any video recording capabilities and there is a no video recording policy at the event, your camera will not be permitted in the building. The same policy applies to digital video cameras that can take still photos. In no instance may photography interfere with access ways, seats, aisles or other guests' enjoyment of the event. Please check the specific event information on our website in advance to check the policy, call us, email us or check the policy signs when entering the building.

Can I re-enter the Arena?

No. Once a patron leaves the Colonial Life Arena during an event, there is no re-entry permitted unless another ticket is purchased.

Does the Arena offer catering for my special event?

Catered functions at the Colonial Life Arena, such as a group meeting can be arranged by contacting an Event Manager at (803) 576-9200. Catering is offered through Aramark/Southern Way.

Are the concession stands opened during all events?

In general, there are concession stands open during all ticketed events, which serve a variety of food and drink products. There are exceptions, however. At the request of the show, concession stands could be closed. Concessions are run by Aramark.

When do doors open?

The doors generally open one (1) hour prior to the scheduled game/event time. This may vary, depending on the event. Guests are encouraged to come early to avoid delays. Once a patron leaves the Colonial Life Arena during an event, there is no re-entry permitted unless another ticket is purchased.

What if I get hurt or someone needs medical attention?

The First Aid Station offering medical assistance is located on the concourse level across from sections 112 and 113. If medical assistance is required, notify the nearest Colonial Life Arena representative or go directly to the First Aid Station.

If our group plans to attend an event together, can we get a group discount?

Yes! Group discounts are offered for most games/events held at the Colonial Life Arena.

Are pay phones at the Colonial Life Arena?

No, there are no pay phones. A phone is located at Guest Services if there is an emergency.

Is there an ATM located in the Colonial Life Arena?

As a safety protocol stemming from COVID-19, the Colonial Life Arena is now cashless. ATMs are no longer available. 

Can I smoke at the Colonial Life Arena?

No. For the health and well-being of all Gamecocks, USC Columbia campus is a completely tobacco-free campus. All forms of tobacco use are prohibited on all USC leased, owned and controlled property and in vehicles parked on USC property. For more information visit www.sc.edu/tobaccofreeusc.

Can alcohol be brought into the Colonial Life Arena?

Under no circumstances will alcohol be allowed to enter the Colonial Life Arena. Patrons will be asked to leave the arena if caught attempting to bring alcohol into the arena. Alcohol is not permitted in the parking lots surrounding the Colonial Life Arena.

Is alcohol available inside the Colonial Life Arena?

During most events, alcohol will be sold at the concession stands inside the Colonial Life Arena.

I see a concert date for the Colonial Life Arena listed on an band's website, but it's not on the Colonial Life Arena website. Does this mean the show is not coming to Columbia?

No, that's not necessarily the case. It is common for a band to list tour dates before the venue confirms the show will be at its arena. Sometimes it's because contracts need to be finalized, other times it's because of marketing strategies and other times it is just timing. To be up to date on all Colonial Life Arena events, join our free Cyber Club to be "in the know."

Does the Colonial Life Arena have an information desk?

The Guest Services Center is located in the lobby in front of the main entry doors and is open from the time the doors open until the conclusion of the event. If you need assistance while at the Colonial Life Arena, please contact Guest Services at (803) 576-9062. Any Guest Services Representative will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Can I distribute leaflets or brochures?

Distribution of any printed materials or selling of any items is prohibited on the Colonial Life Arena grounds, including the parking lots, walkways, and inside the Colonial Life Arena.

Do you have a lost and found department?

You can fill out our lost & found online form here and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Lost items found at Colonial Life Arena are turned in to one of our Guest Services locations. Items will be entered into our Lost & Found system and held for up to 30 days. Items not claimed after 30 days will be donated to charity. Guests may also call (803) 576-9062 during normal business hours to inquire about lost and found items.

What if my child gets lost while at the Colonial Life Arena?

Children should be told to contact a Colonial Life Arena representative should he or she become lost. A lost child will be taken to the Guest Services Center located in the main lobby across from the main entry doors.

Where will I park when I come to the Colonial Life Arena?

For your convenience, there are parking lots within walking distance of the Colonial Life Arena. Prices are set by lot owners & operators.

Accessible parking is available in most, if not all, of these lots. In order to park in the spaces reserved for disabled guests, the vehicle must have a state-issued handicapped window pass, sticker, or license plate. Any vehicle may drop off a disabled patron at the front of the Colonial Life Arena and then park their car in one of the lots and meet that person inside the Arena.

Additional parking information available here.​

Does the Colonial Life Arena have an executive suite?

The Colonial Life Arena has 38 luxury suites located on the main concourse level. In addition, there are four entertainment suites and one large club area. They provide the local corporate community, as well as, private parties, the opportunity to enjoy events in a customized fashion.