3M Arena at Mariucci

3M Arena at Mariucci
Shipguy9 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Stadium name	3M Arena at Mariucci
Location	Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Opened	1993
Owner	University of Minnesota
Operator	University of Minnesota
Seating capacity	10,000

3M Arena at Mariucci is a multi-purpose arena located on the campus of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. The arena is home to the Minnesota Golden Gophers men's ice hockey team, which competes in the Big Ten Conference against teams like the Michigan Wolverines men's ice hockey team and the Wisconsin Badgers men's ice hockey team. The arena has also hosted various events, including concerts featuring artists like Elton John, Billy Joel, and Kenny Chesney, as well as Mixed martial arts events like UFC on FX 5. The arena is named after John Mariucci, a former University of Minnesota hockey player and coach, and 3M, a multinational conglomerate headquartered in Maplewood, Minnesota.

● History

The 3M Arena at Mariucci was opened in 1993, replacing the former home of the Minnesota Golden Gophers men's ice hockey team, the Williams Arena. The arena was built at a cost of $30 million, with funding provided by the University of Minnesota and private donors, including 3M and the Mariucci family. The arena has undergone several renovations since its opening, including a $5 million renovation in 2005 that added new seating and improved the arena's sound and lighting systems. The arena has hosted numerous events over the years, including NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship games, Western Collegiate Hockey Association tournaments, and concerts featuring artists like Dave Matthews Band, Tom Petty, and The Rolling Stones. The arena has also been used for University of Minnesota events, such as commencement ceremonies and basketball games featuring the Minnesota Golden Gophers men's basketball team.

● Design and facilities

The 3M Arena at Mariucci has a seating capacity of 10,000, with 9,500 permanent seats and 500 temporary seats that can be added for larger events. The arena features a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, as well as a video scoreboard and replay system. The arena's ice rink is NHL-sized, measuring 200 feet long and 85 feet wide. The arena also features a number of amenities, including a concession stand offering food and beverages from vendors like Dairy Queen and Pepsi, as well as a team store selling Minnesota Golden Gophers merchandise. The arena is located near other University of Minnesota facilities, including TCF Bank Stadium, Williams Arena, and the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center. The arena is also close to other Minneapolis attractions, such as the Walker Art Center, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, and the Mill City Museum.

● Tenants

The primary tenant of the 3M Arena at Mariucci is the Minnesota Golden Gophers men's ice hockey team, which competes in the Big Ten Conference against teams like the Michigan State Spartans men's ice hockey team and the Ohio State Buckeyes men's ice hockey team. The arena is also used by the Minnesota Golden Gophers women's ice hockey team, which competes in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association against teams like the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the University of North Dakota. The arena has also been used by other University of Minnesota teams, including the Minnesota Golden Gophers men's basketball team and the Minnesota Golden Gophers women's basketball team. The arena has also hosted events featuring teams like the Minnesota Wild, the Minnesota Twins, and the Vikings.

● Events

The 3M Arena at Mariucci has hosted a wide range of events over the years, including NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship games, Western Collegiate Hockey Association tournaments, and concerts featuring artists like Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga. The arena has also been used for Mixed martial arts events like UFC on FX 5, as well as Professional wrestling events featuring wrestlers like John Cena and The Rock. The arena has also hosted events like the Frozen Four, the WCHA Final Five, and the Big Ten Men's Ice Hockey Tournament. The arena has also been used for University of Minnesota events, such as commencement ceremonies and basketball games featuring the Minnesota Golden Gophers men's basketball team. The arena has also hosted events featuring teams like the USA Hockey and the Canadian national ice hockey team.

● Seating and amenities

The 3M Arena at Mariucci has a seating capacity of 10,000, with 9,500 permanent seats and 500 temporary seats that can be added for larger events. The arena features a number of amenities, including a concession stand offering food and beverages from vendors like Subway and Pizza Hut, as well as a team store selling Minnesota Golden Gophers merchandise. The arena also features a number of premium seating areas, including suites and club seats, which offer amenities like catering and wait service. The arena is also equipped with a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, as well as a video scoreboard and replay system. The arena is located near other University of Minnesota facilities, including TCF Bank Stadium, Williams Arena, and the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center, and is also close to other Minneapolis attractions, such as the Weisman Art Museum, the Bell Museum of Natural History, and the Mill District.

Category:Indoor ice hockey venues in the United States