Attending an NCAA tournament game at Colonial Life Arena? Here’s what you need to know
Pollen falling on cars, sidewalks and seemingly every surface around. Women’s basketball fans descending on downtown Columbia.
At this point, it’s hard to say which is the more reliable occurrence come March in the Midlands.
For the fourth-straight year, the South Carolina Gamecocks will serve as hosts for the first and second rounds of the women’s NCAA Tournament, hoping to kick start another championship run as they and three other teams will open March Madness play at Colonial Life Arena.
No. 8 seed Utah will play No. 9 seed Indiana at 1:30 p.m. on Friday. The No. 1 seed Gamecocks will then face No. 16 seed Tennessee Tech at approximately 4 p.m. The winner of the two games will play each other on Sunday.
More information about tickets for the Friday and Sunday games can be found online.
Planning to attend one of the contests? Here’s what you need to know about getting to the arena.
Getting to the arena
Doors for Friday’s games will open one hour before tip-off.
The arena, located at 801 Lincoln St., has three different parking options: surface lots, garages and metered street parking. One garage fans can find parking for $20 will be Discovery Garage on College and Park streets. Parking is also available in Lot B next to the arena for $20.
The city of Columbia maintains an interactive map displaying where public garages and street parking are available.
Clear bags required
Colonial Life Arena has a clear bag policy and allows attendees to bring in the following:
Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that are no bigger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches
One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag
Small clutch bags no bigger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches
Essential medical items
A few prohibited items include food, weapons, video cameras and umbrellas. A full list can be found on Gamecock Athletics’ website. Colonial Life Arena is also a cashless venue, which means that any concessions must be purchased with a credit or debit card.
Where to eat and drink
A host of bars and restaurants sit within a reasonable distance of the arena in downtown Columbia. The surrounding Vista district and nearby Main Street District each maintain directories of fine eateries and watering holes where you might pregame or gather after a game to toast victory or ease the sting of defeat.
