Columbia is the capital and largest city in South Carolina. The population was 129,272 in 2010. The city is central to the metropolitan statistical area, which is the second largest in the state, totaling 784,745. Christopher Columbus named it “Columbia” as a poetic expression. Historically, it was the location for the Secession Convention, beginning its withdrawal from the Union leading up to the Civil War.

Events in Columbia

Most large-scale events in the market are held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

Sports in Columbia, SC

Columbia is the home of the Columbia Inferno of the East Coast Hockey League, Columbia Blowfish of the Coastal Plain League, Columbia Olde Grey of USA Rugby, and Palmetto FC Bantams of Premier Development League.

Businesses of Note: Companies headquartered in Columbia include Denny’s, Direct Air, FATZ, Gretsch Drums, Hooters Air, and Phoenix Racing.

Advertising & PR agencies: (AD) Chernoff Newman, TrenMedia Group, LLC, Elite Advertising and Marketing, Adams Group, Porterfield Graham, Outdoor Ads, Grace Outdoor, Root Loud, Post No Bills, Inc., Cross + Associates, David Hunt Creative, Redwater Publishing, Inc., Sutter Hrovat Group, Inc., Knapp Agency, Octagon Solutions, The Leo Windham Agency, Green Street Designs, LLC (PR) Carter Todd Associates, Lindsay & Associates, Adams Group, Fred E Allen & Associates, Sunrise Enterprise of Columbia, Drew McKissick Public Affairs, McAlister Communications, Bonnie Blue Holdings, Inc., Semaphore, Inc., and Fisher Communications, Inc.

Colleges: Private colleges in the city include Allen University, Benedict College, Columbia College, Columbia International University (CIU), and Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS).