One thing I love about Columbia is that there is so much culture and art to explore. Whether it’s the Columbia Museum of Art, the Children’s museum, the Columbia Marionette Theatre, or the Richland County Library system, you can always find exciting events happening!
One place in particular that brings wonderful shows to Columbia on a regular basis is the Koger Center for the Arts. Part of the University of South Carolina, the Koger Center not only brings in touring Broadway productions, but local productions as well by USC, the Columbia Ballet, and more. You can always find a family friendly event!
Before you get your tickets and head to the show, here are some tips to help make your experience at the Koger Center more enjoyable for you and your family.
1. Choose Your Show and Buy Tickets
The Koger Center offers a variety of shows all year long. There are ballet productions from the Columbia City Ballet, USC, and traveling companies. Koger is also host to a variety of touring Broadway productions, many of which are family friendly. The SC Philharmonic also presents a variety of shows at the Koger Center throughout the year.
Once you’ve chosen your show, it’s time to buy tickets. If you are able to, I suggest going to the box office in person. This will save you the service fee you’ll get charged when you purchase tickets online. The box office is located at the back of the Koger Center on the corner of Park and Greene Streets. If you are bringing young children to the show, please note that the Koger Center’s ticket policy is as follows: “ALL persons must have a ticket to attend an event, including babies and children of all ages.”
Lastly, be sure to look at the seating chart when purchasing your tickets. You’ll want to choose wisely because…
2. Seating
Seating at the Koger Center is different than at most theaters. Most theaters have seating in the middle with aisles on either side, and then more seating after the aisle. The Koger Center does not. It is just ONE long row with NO aisle in the middle, and the row is curved. What that means is that once you are in your seat, you’re kind of stuck. If you have to get up to take your child to the bathroom during the show, you could be walking over 15 or so people to get to the end of the aisle. Best to make sure you all go to the bathroom before the show starts!
When we purchase tickets for a show at Koger, we tend to purchase tickets closer to the end of the row, rather than in the middle so we don’t have to deal with getting up and down for people having to get to their seats. But, something else to keep in mind is this, if you choose to sit in the Orchestra section (on the floor), the seats on the end of the rows tend to have a partially obstructed view of one side of the stage. (You will see this noted when you purchase tickets online.) However, those seats often tend to cost a little less due to the partial view obstruction.
Lastly, as far as seating goes, if you have a smaller child who may need help seeing over the heads in front of them, be sure to ask an usher for a booster seat. They will provide one for you. Just know that they are available on a first come, first served basis.
3. Parking
Anyone with young kids (and even teenagers) can tell you that their children don’t always like walking long distances. Especially if they’re all dressed up to go see a show. Fortunately, there is parking conveniently located near the Koger Center that isn’t too far of a walk. You can find metered parking on the nearby streets or use one of the parking garages. There is actually a garage right across the street, located on Park Street. You can use the parking map on the Koger Center website to help you plan.
4. Bathrooms and Other Miscellaneous Items
Bathrooms are located on all three floors of the Koger Center and are ADA accessible. There are also water fountains near each bathroom.
Strollers, car seats and other baby seats are not allowed inside the auditorium. However, you may check them in the coat check area.
Refreshments are available for purchase prior to the start of the show and during intermission. Food and drinks are not allowed in the theatre. All of the concession stands are located in the orchestra lobby, and both cash and card are accepted.
If you’re attending one of the touring Broadway productions, the merchandise booths will be located in the orchestra lobby. Be sure to walk all the way around the booth too because some of them offer some fun photo ops.
Whether you’re headed out to see some ballet, a Broadway musical, or hear the beautiful sounds of an orchestra, if you follow these tips, your trip to the Koger Center will be a wonderful one!
