Home of the University of South Carolina Fighting Gamecocks, Columbia is the site of a full array of exciting Southeastern Conference sports. Columbia is also home to the Columbia Inferno, a professional hockey team and member of the East Coast Hockey League. Within easy driving distance for the professional sports enthusiast are the Atlanta and Charlotte teams for Major League Baseball, NFL and NBA excitement.

Columbia's city parks offer tens of thousands of baseball and softball enthusiasts, tennis players and swimmers a chance to take an active part in sports in their community. Nearby lakes and rivers offer great challenges and rewards for those who enjoy the best boating, fishing, canoeing and kayaking around.