Carolina Coliseum

1969; College of Journalism & Mass Communications, College of Applied Professional Sciences, Coliseum Business Office, Gamecock Basketball Office

The need for a first-rate facility for intercollegiate athletics and student assemblies, additional academic space, and a large versatile arena to serve the cultural and entertainment needs of the University and Columbia communities was fulfilled with the opening of the 315,000-square-foot Carolina Coliseum in November l968. Besides being the home of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications and College of Applied Professional Sciences, which occupy approximately one-third of the total area, the Coliseum is the site of the University's commencements, convocations, registration, orientation, and University-sponsored lectures, seminars, and activities of professional organizations.

The Coliseum's 12,400-seat arena has meant enjoyment to thousands of Gamecock basketball fans. The arena is also easily adapted to serve other entertainment purposes, including concerts, car shows, circuses, ice shows, and other popular events. The versatility and quality of the Coliseum also have allowed the University to use the facility for performing arts events such as the Boston Pops, Chicago Symphony, Feld Ballet and other performances by important artists. An acoustical shell and a state-of-the-art lighting system assist the Coliseum in presenting such activities.