Koger Center for the Arts
Columbia's premier venue for touring Broadway, music, dance, and local art exhibitions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch free outdoor music
Koger Center for the Arts
Best Time
Catch free outdoor music
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Columbia's premier venue for touring Broadway, music, dance, and local art exhibitions.
"Elegant stadium with easy access from the street, comfortable seating, and great acoustics."
🎟️ Grab Broadway Packages
Consider season packages for Broadway shows for potential savings.
🚶♀️ Shorter Entry Lines
Use the side entrance near the restrooms for quicker access into the auditorium.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Broadway Productions
Experience world-class touring Broadway shows like Les Misérables and The Tina Turner Musical. A must-see for theater lovers!
Diverse Performing Arts
From Motown ballet to classical music and jazz, the Koger Center hosts a wide array of performances.
Local Art Exhibitions
Discover local artists in the Nook Gallery, featuring works like oil paintings with social justice themes.
Live Outside Concert Series
Enjoy free outdoor music performances on Fridays, featuring local bands and diverse genres.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Plan Your Entry and Seating
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Grab Broadway Packages
Consider season packages for Broadway shows for potential savings.
🚶♀️ Shorter Entry Lines
Use the side entrance near the restrooms for quicker access into the auditorium.
♿ Accessible Entrances
Green Street entrance is level; Park Street has a ramp sidewalk to the right of the building.
🚗 Parking Garage Tips
The garage a block away from Park Street is usually cheaper than the one directly across.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Grab Broadway Packages
Consider season packages for Broadway shows for potential savings.
🚶♀️ Shorter Entry Lines
Use the side entrance near the restrooms for quicker access into the auditorium.
♿ Accessible Entrances
Green Street entrance is level; Park Street has a ramp sidewalk to the right of the building.
🚗 Parking Garage Tips
The garage a block away from Park Street is usually cheaper than the one directly across.
🎶 Check 'Live Outside'
Free Friday evening concerts offer a great way to experience local talent.
🖼️ Explore Nook Gallery
Discover rotating art exhibitions, often featuring local artists.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Koger Center for the Arts to be an elegant and comfortable venue for a variety of performances, from Broadway shows to local concerts and graduations. The seating is comfortable with good acoustics, and the facilities are clean and well-maintained. Some find ticket prices high for certain events, and the lack of a middle aisle in the auditorium can be a minor inconvenience.
"For the public there are two entrances. The entrance on Park Street has lots of steps but the entrance on Green street is level. On Green Street you can drive up and drop off. If you are there to meet graduates you can meet them on the grassy boll. Oh if you enter on the Park side road the sidewalk to the right of the building serves as a ramp. They have plenty of restrooms . Most people try to enter in the auditorium on the same side as the entrance and the line is usually long. If you walk past the restroom and go to the other side the lines are shorter. It’s a cozy auditorium. No middle isle so if you sit in the middle you will have to be ready to say excuse me over and over. The seats are comfortable.
There are two large parking garages in Park street. The one across from the auditorium is always more than the one a block away."
Jenny Trump
"We attended a graduation ceremony at the USC Koger Center for the Arts in Columbia, SC, and it was such a beautiful experience. 🎓 The atmosphere was elegant, the seating was comfortable, and the sound carried perfectly for the occasion. Watching my cousin get her Doctorate degree was a blessing 🙏🏾Highly recommend!!"
Tessa Belton
"Clean and easy to get around. Would recommend for seeing any stage performances in Columbia. They do weekly outdoor music which is definitely worth attending. Even the bathrooms are clean and well kept.
Family friendly and plenty of talking make this a must visit destination in Columbia."
Alexander Sullivan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Koger Center for the Arts is located in Columbia, SC. For driving, there are two main parking garages on Park Street. The Green Street entrance offers level access and is convenient for drop-offs, while the Park Street entrance has steps but also a ramp sidewalk to the right of the building.
There are two large parking garages on Park Street. The one directly across from the auditorium is typically more expensive than the garage located a block away.
Information on specific public transportation routes to the Koger Center for the Arts can be found on local transit authority websites for Columbia, SC. Many visitors opt for driving and using the nearby parking garages.
Yes, the Green Street entrance is level and ideal for drop-offs, making it easily accessible for all patrons.
The Green Street entrance is level and convenient. If using the Park Street entrance, the sidewalk to the right of the building serves as a ramp for easier access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for Koger Center events can typically be purchased online through their official website, the Koger Center box office, or authorized ticket vendors. For popular shows like Broadway productions, booking in advance is highly recommended.
For Broadway-style productions, purchasing a season package in Q4 for the following year might offer a cheaper rate. Keep an eye out for student or group discounts, though these are not always available for all events.
The Koger Center box office hours can vary. It's best to check the official Koger Center for the Arts website or call them directly for the most up-to-date information on operating hours.
While some tickets may be available on the day of the show, it's not guaranteed, especially for high-demand performances. Purchasing Koger Center tickets in advance is the safest bet to ensure attendance.
The auditorium is described as cozy with comfortable seats and ample legroom. There is no middle aisle, so seating in the center requires navigating past other patrons.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
The Koger Center for the Arts hosts a diverse range of performances including Broadway shows, concerts, ballet, theatre, and local art exhibitions. Recent performances include Les Misérables, The Tina Turner Musical, Motown ballet, and various concerts.
Yes, the Koger Center has plenty of restrooms, and they are generally reported as clean and well-kept.
Absolutely! Many shows, like 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical,' are specifically noted as family-friendly and enjoyable for all ages.
The 'Live Outside' series features free outdoor music performances held on Friday evenings at the Koger Center, showcasing local bands and artists.
Yes, the Koger Center features the Nook Gallery, which hosts rotating exhibitions by local artists. You can also see artwork displayed on the walls during events like the Jazz in the Lobby series. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, concessions are available during events, often including beer, wine, and water. Some events may have restrictions on alcohol sales depending on the host.
Columbia, SC, offers a variety of dining options surrounding the Koger Center for the Arts. You can find numerous restaurants within walking distance or a short drive from the venue.
Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside the Koger Center for the Arts. It's best to check the venue's specific policy for the event you are attending.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary by event. For most performances, personal photography, especially with flash, is usually prohibited to avoid disturbing performers and other audience members. Check the specific event's guidelines.
You can find Koger Center for the Arts photos on their official social media channels (TikTok, Instagram), their website, and through event-specific hashtags on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning your visit, consider the Green Street entrance for easier access with strollers. While food and drinks are available for purchase, bringing your own is generally not allowed, so plan accordingly. The 'Live Outside' concert series can also be a relaxed, free option for families looking for casual entertainment.
💰 Budget Travelers
Parking can also be a cost-saving factor; opting for the garage a block away from Park Street is typically cheaper than the one directly across the street.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Beyond the gallery, the Koger Center hosts a variety of performances that celebrate artistic expression, including ballet shows with Motown themes and classical music concerts. The venue itself often displays artwork, adding to the cultural ambiance, especially during events like the Jazz in the Lobby series.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Hub for Performing Arts in Columbia
The venue is known for bringing major touring shows to the region, including popular musicals like 'Les Misérables' and 'The Tina Turner Musical,' as well as concerts by renowned artists. Beyond these large-scale productions, the Koger Center also champions local talent through its 'Live Outside' concert series and by providing a platform for art exhibitions in its Nook Gallery.
Visitors often praise the Koger Center for its comfortable seating, good acoustics, and clean facilities, making it an enjoyable experience for various events, from graduations to professional performances. Its accessibility features, such as level entrances and ramps, further enhance its role as an inclusive community space.
Navigating Your Visit: Entrances, Parking, and Seating
Parking is available in two garages on Park Street. While the garage directly across from the auditorium is convenient, the one located a block away is generally more budget-friendly. It's advisable to factor in parking costs and time when planning your visit.
Inside, the auditorium is described as cozy, with comfortable seating that offers ample legroom. A unique feature is the absence of a middle aisle, meaning if you're seated in the center, you'll need to be prepared to excuse yourself frequently. For potentially shorter lines entering the auditorium, consider heading to the side opposite the main entrance.
A Stage for Local and Touring Talent
In addition to big-name productions, the Koger Center actively supports the local arts scene. The 'Live Outside' series offers free Friday evening concerts featuring regional bands, providing a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying live music.
The venue also plays host to various dance companies, including the South Carolina Ballet, and musical ensembles like the USC Symphony and local jazz groups. This commitment to a broad spectrum of performing arts ensures that the Koger Center remains a dynamic and essential cultural hub for the community.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit