Columbia Lions Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Jim Engles

Team Mascot: Roaree the Lion

Year Opened: 1974

Capacity: 2500

City / State: New York / New York

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Columbia Lions vs Princeton Tigers

Rival Team: Princeton Tigers

Princeton is one of Columbia’s biggest rival on the gridiron, and things aren’t much different when the two meet on the hardwood. There is no love lost between Columbia and Princeton, so make sure to get your tickets when the Tigers come to town.

Columbia Lions vs Yale Bulldogs

Rival Team: Yale Bulldogs

Columbia and Yale have the longest continuous rivalry in college basketball, so you better believe you’ll be in for a good matchup whenever these two Ivy League schools get together. There is no love lost when Columbia and Yale's clash making a Columbia-Yale game one of the best times to take in a game at Levien Gymnasium.

Columbia Lions vs Stony Brook Seawolves

Rival Team: Stony Brook Seawolves

The Lions have played nearby rivals, Stony Brook, every year since 2002 sparking a relatively intense rivalry between these two non-conference foes. The two have engaged in several close matchups over the years, and both schools are located within an hour of each meaning you’ll find plenty of fans of both teams at these matchups. Make sure to get your tickets when Columbia takes on Stony Brook.

Columbia Lions Stadium Guide

In Game

Columbia may not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking of college basketball, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have an excellent time taking in some Lions hoops action. The Lions have quite the following considering the small size of Levien Gymnasium and often sell out. Columbia fans are very passionate, especially considering the fact the Lions haven’t made the tournament since 1968, and the band and student section provide an incredible in-game atmosphere.

Before or after the game, make sure to explore the area surrounding Columbia as well as the rest of New York City. One of the best things about attending a Lions basketball game is Columbia is located in New York, which means there is a lot to see and do during your trip.

If you’re looking to experience one of the best basketball game days in the Ivy League or just looking for a way to spend some time during your trip to New York, then you can’t beat taking in a Columbia Lions basketball game at Levien Gymnasium.

Things to check out

Lion Statue

Stop by the lion statue and get a picture to remember your trip to Columbia. The statue is a must-see for anyone visiting, so make sure to check it out.

Pep Band

The pep band at Lions basketball games not only energizes the crowd with their music they also taunt the opposition with their chants. The band has chants for all sorts of occasions, so learn the words and join in to get the full Columbia basketball gameday experience.

play Watch video

Roaree the Lion

Don’t miss Roar-ee when attending a Columbia basketball game. Roar-ee entertains the crowd throughout the game with his antics and is a can’t miss part of any Columbia basketball game, so keep an eye out for him when taking in a game at Levien Gymnasium.

play Watch video

Dance and Cheer Squads

The Columbia dance and cheer teams put on excellent shows throughout the game. The dance squad will dazzle you with their moves, and the cheerleaders will keep you engaged in the game. Enjoy the performances of both these group when attending a Lions basketball game.

Fight Songs

  1. “Roar, Lion, Roar”

    Roar, Lion, roar,
    And wake the echoes of the Hudson Valley.
    Fight on to vict’ry evermore
    While the sons of Knickerbocker rally
    ‘Round Columbia! Columbia!
    Shouting her name forever!
    Roar, Lion, roar,
    For Alma Mater, on the Hudson shore.

  2. “Sans Souci”

    One last toast ‘ere we part,
    Written on every heart.
    This motto stay;
    Long may Columbia stand,
    Honored throughout the land,
    Our Alma Mater grand,
    Now and for aye.

  3. “Who Owns New York?”

    Oh, who owns New York!
    Oh, who owns New York!
    Oh, who owns New York!
    Some people say —
    Why, we own New York!
    Why, we own New York!
    Who? C-O-L-U-M-B-I-A!

  4. “Stand Up and Cheer”

    Stand up and cheer,
    Stand up and cheer for old Columbia Athletics
    For today, we raise
    The Blue and White above the rest,
    Our boys are fighting,
    For they are bound to win the fray.
    We’ve got the team,
    We’ve got the team,
    And this is old Columbia’s day.
    ‘Ray! ‘Ray! ‘Ray!

  5. “Stand, Columbia”

    Mother, stay’d on rock eternal,
    Crown’d and set upon a height,
    Glorified by Light supernal
    In thy radiance we see light,
    Torch thy children’s lamps to kindle,
    Beacon-star to cheer and guide,
    Stand, Columbia! Alma Mater
    Through the storms of Time abide!
    Stand, Columbia! Alma Mater
    Through the storms of Time abide!

    Honor, love, and veneration
    Crown forevermore thy brow!
    Many a grateful generation
    Hail thee as we hail thee now!
    Till the lordly Hudson seaward
    Cease to roll his heaving tide,
    Stand, Columbia! Alma Mater
    Through the storms of Time abide!
    Stand, Columbia! Alma Mater
    Through the storms of Time abide!

  6. Columbia Basketball Chantss

    On offense

    For men’s games:

    Hold her hand!
    Tell her lies!
    Hold her hand, tell her lies,
    Let’s score!

    For women’s games:

    Make him pay!
    Say he’s funny!
    Make him pay, say he’s funny,
    Let’s score!
    Get it up!
    Put it in!
    Get it up, put it in,
    Let’s score!
    Roar-roar-ee!
    Hit ’em in the knee!
    Roar-roar-red
    Hit ’em in the head!
    Roar-roar-resticle
    Hit ’em in the…other knee!
    Cheeseburgers cheeseburgers cheeseburgers!
    Pepsi pepsi pepsi!
    C’mon Columbia
    Give ’em epilepsy!
    Whenever Columbia takes the lead
    We havvvve…an insurmountable leaaaaad!

    On defense

    Fight Columbia, fight Columbia,
    Make them scream in pain!
    (repeat)
    Fight Columbia, fight Columbia,
    Make my nipples hard!
    (repeat)

    Against the referee

    (to the tune of “O My Darling Clementine”):
    Who’s your father, who’s your father
    Who’s your father, referee?
    You don’t have one
    You’re a bastard
    You’re a bastard, referee!

    The ref blew the call!
    The ref blew the call!
    Swallow, ref, swallow!
    The ref brought his lunch!
    The ref brought his lunch!
    Eat it, ref, eat it!
    The ref beats his wife!
    The ref beats his wife!
    Beat it, ref, beat it!

Columbia Lions Bars & Restaurants

  1. Mess Hall

    Criterion beer Mazzys Brewballs Cogans Deli Sports Pub Kamikazes Libbys Bar Grill Knot Pub Cara Irish Mess Hall

    Mess Hall is a neighborhood bar specializing in craft beer & spirits in a warm and masculine environment.

    2194 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  2. Broadway Dive

    Mojito

    Unpretentious hangout focused on bourbon, tequila & scotch, plus beer to take out in growlers.

    2662 Broadway, New York, NY 10025, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Lion’s Head Tavern

    Lions Head

    Local bar popular among collegiate types for its daily food & drink specials such as dollar beers.

    995 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. Toast Uptown

    Toast Uptown

    American comfort fare like burgers & sandwiches in a roomy, retro diner space plus a full bar.

    3157 Broadway, New York, NY 10027, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Harlem Food Bar

    Harlem Food Bar

    Comfort food & cocktail options in a petite bistro featuring a contemporary vibe & outdoor seating.

    2100 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Arts and Crafts Beer Parlor

    Beer tap

    Arts and Crafts Beer Parlor is the antithesis of a sports bar; rather, it is an extension of your living room.

    1135 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Mel’s Burger Bar

    Mojito

    Creatively topped burgers plus craft beers & boozy milkshakes in the light of a huge neon sign.

    2850 Broadway, New York, NY 10025, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. The Heights Bar & Grill

    The Heights Bar and Grill

    Bar grub & frozen margaritas served in a casual, multilevel space with a rooftop bar.

    2867 Broadway, New York, NY 10025, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. 1020 Bar

    Bar Bordertown Grill

    Dimly-lit barroom attracting college crowd & locals with budget-priced drinks, darts & pool.

    1020 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  10. Harlem Tavern

    Owlz Pub Sand Trap Scorpions Bar Grill

    Corner tavern/beer garden with extensive food & drink menus in a spacious indoor/outdoor setting.

    2153 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Table food

    Streetbird is Marcus Samuelsson's rotisserie chicken restaurant that has its roots in street food from around the world.

    2149 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. Melba’s

    Melbas

    On any given day, you can find Melba greeting guests with hugs, her trademark smile and inquire of her customers as to whether there is anything she can do to enhance their dining experience.

    300 W 114th St, New York, NY 10026, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. Hamilton Deli

    Hamilton Deli

    Bustling deli counter turning out breakfast all day, hearty sandwiches, burgers & more. Open late.

    1129 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  14. SubsConscious

    Skips Restaurant Sandwich J Birds Deli Ales

    Subsconscious is a full service sandwich shop in the heart of Morninside Heights with a variety of sandwiches, salads, snacks and desserts to choose from.

    1213 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10027, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  15. Tom’s Restaurant

    The Fat Frogg Bar and Grill

    Basic local coffee shop famous for its recurring cameo on classic TV sitcom Seinfeld.

    2880 Broadway, New York, NY 10025, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$