FAQs

Q. Is there a convention center in Columbia, SC?

A. Yes. The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center (CMCC) is a full-service convention and event venue located in downtown Columbia, South Carolina. It is the city’s primary facility for conventions, conferences, trade shows, and public events.

Q. Where is the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center located?

A. The CMCC is located in downtown Columbia, SC, in the Vista entertainment district, near the Congaree River and South Carolina State House. Its central location makes it easily accessible for attendees and exhibitors. For directions and maps, visit our Parking & Directions page.

Q. When was the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center built?

A. The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center opened in 2004 and has since welcomed more than 3 million guests.

Q. Is the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center within walking distance of a hotel?

A. Yes. The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center is within walking distance of multiple downtown hotels, including full-service and boutique options. There are over 2,000 hotel rooms within one mile of the Convention Center with a 222-room hotel next door (Hilton Columbia Center). This makes it convenient for conferences, conventions, and multi-day events. Click here for a full list of nearby hotels.

Q. Are there any restaurants within walking distance of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center?

A. Yes. The CMCC is located in The Vista, one of Columbia’s most popular dining and entertainment districts, with dozens of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and nightlife options within walking distance. Find a full list of restaurant and things to do here.

Q. How close is the Columbia Metropolitan Airport to the Convention Center?

A. Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is approximately 7 miles or 15 minutes by car from the Convention Center, offering direct flights to major U.S. destinations.

Q. Is free parking offered at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center?

A. Limited complimentary parking may be available in the CMCC lot on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on event schedules and building usage. The CMCC parking lot adjacent to the facility has 278 spaces. Parking availability is subject to change, based on event times and the number of events in the building. 

Pay-for-Parking garages are open to the public and operated by other organizations, so availability is not guaranteed, however, your event manager can help reserve parking passes or a garage buyout if available. Additional paid garages and street parking are located nearby. Find more details on parking at the convention center here.

Q. Where can I go to play Bingo in Columbia, SC?

A. Public bingo events, including Life Changers Bingo, are periodically held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Event dates and details vary. Visit our Events Calendar for upcoming bingo events.

Q. When and where is Soda City Comic Con?

A. Soda City Comic Con is typically hosted at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Event dates, ticketing, and programming are determined by the event organizer and change annually. For the most up-to-date information, visit our Events Calendar.

Q. What type of shows are held at the CMCC?

A. The CMCC hosts a wide variety of events, including: 

• Conventions and trade shows 
• Conferences and meetings 
• Consumer expos Banquets and galas 
• Comic conventions and pop-culture events 
• Public ticketed events