As the gateway to the vista, the capital city's vibrant hub of dining and entertainment, the Koger Center for the Arts stands out as Columbia's premier center for the performing arts.
As a cultural destination for audiences seeking diverse experiences in a lively and dynamic setting, the Koger Center features several local arts groups including the Columbia City Ballet, The South Carolina Philharmonic, and the Columbia Classical Ballet. With the University of South Carolina, the Koger Center hosts performances by both the USC Dance Department and the School of Music, including the USC Symphony Orchestra. The Koger Center is proud to also be the home of Broadway In Columbia, bringing the best of world-class productions to Columbia!
The Koger Center has 2,256 seats on three levels. The Orchestra, Grand Tier, and Balcony all feature continental seating. Explore our seating layout.
Reading Your Tickets
Tickets are marked "LORC/LTGT/LBAL" or "RORC/RTGT/RBAL". When standing in front of the large red wall in the Koger Center, the "L" or left entrances will be to your left and the "R" or right entrances will be to your right. There are two sets of stairs in the Koger Center, as well as elevators near the Coat Room.
ORC is the Orchestra level (ground floor). Single letter rows (A, B, etc.) are located in the Orchestra.
GT is the Grand Tier, which is the second floor. Seats numbered 100+ and double letter rows (AA, BB, etc.) are located in the Grand Tier.
BAL is the Balcony level (third floor). Seats numbered 200+ and triple letter rows (AAA, BBB, etc.) are located in the Balcony, which is the third floor.
Children's Tickets
The seating policy for the Koger Center for the Arts requires that ALL persons have a ticket to attend an event, including babies and children of all ages. Strollers, car seats and baby baskets are not allowed inside the auditorium, however, you may check them in our coat check area. We do provide booster seats on a first come, first served basis. Ask a staff member if you are in need of a booster seat.
Late Seating
Policies regarding late seating vary depending on the performance. However, a late arriving audience member will typically be asked to wait in the lobby until they can be seated during a performance break. The Koger Center has monitors available in the lobby for your convenience.
Photography and Recording
During most performances, photography and recording devices are prohibited inside the auditorium. We make announcements regarding the policy in the lobby before each performance, however, if you are unsure about the policy for a particular show, please refrain from taking pictures or using recording devices.
Refreshments
At most ticketed events, bar service and snacks are available in the lobby prior to performances and during intermission. Cash and credit cards are accepted. With the exception of bottled water, all food and drinks must remain in the lobby. Drinks are available to purchase for presale before intermission. Presold drinks will be available for pickup at a designated table in the lobby to avoid waiting in line to order during intermission.
Restrooms
Restrooms are located on all three levels of the Koger Center and are ADA accessible.
Water Fountains
Water fountains are located next to the restrooms on each level of the Koger Center.
Coat Check
Coat check is available on the lobby level of the Koger Center by the elevators. You may also check your strollers, baby carriers, and large bags that do not fit under your seat here as well.
Lost and Found
If you have found an item that you think someone will be looking for, please turn it in to an usher or drop it by the house manager's office. If you have lost an item and realize that it is missing before you leave, please check with the house manager. If you have lost something and realize once you have left the Koger Center, please call us at 803-777-7500.
Smoking Policy
In compliance with the university's policy, the Koger Center is a non-smoking facility.
Assisted Listening Devices
The Koger Center offers assisted listening devices that may be picked up at the house manager's office prior to the performance.
Parking
View parking map and information.
Patron Drop-Off
Patrons may be dropped off in the circle in front of the Koger Center.
Valet Parking
Valet parking is available at some, but not all events. When available, the drop off location is in front of the School of Music. Enter that area via College Street. Please call (803) 777-7500 to determine if valet parking will be available for a particular event.
ATM
There is currently no ATM located inside the Koger Center, the closest available ATM is across the street at the convenience store.
Directions
From I-26 & I-126: Take the Elmwood Street exit. Turn right onto Assembly Street. The Koger Center will be on your right at the corner of Assembly and Greene Streets. (If you pass the Carolina Coliseum or Blossom Street, you've gone too far!)
From I-77 & I-277: Take I-277 into Columbia. I-277 will become Bull Street. Turn right onto Gervais Street. Turn left onto Assembly Street when you pass the State House on the left. The Koger Center will be on your right at the corner of Assembly and Greene Streets. (If you pass the Carolina Coliseum or Blossom Street, you've gone too far.)
Bus Directions
The Soda Cap Connector:The nearest stop is located on the corner of Park Street and College Street.
The COMET: There are two bus stops on the corner of Assembly Street and College Street, one located directly in front of the USC School of Music building and the second one is next to the CVS Pharmacy. Another stop near-by is at the corner of Sumter Street and College Street, in front of the Horseshoe.
For more information on bus direction.