Gopher hockey arena renamed '3M Arena at Mariucci'

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - Mariucci Arena at the University of Minnesota will now be known as 3M Arena at Mariucci as part of a new sponsorship deal with 3M. 

The University of Minnesota and 3M announced the 14-year, $11.2 million sponsorship on Monday. The deal includes the naming rights to Mariucci Arena, which was named in honor of John Mariucci, the "godftaher of Minnesota Hockey," when it first opened in 1993.

“Today’s announcement brings together three names instantly recognizable across Minnesota – Mariucci, Gopher Hockey and 3M – and that’s certainly exciting,” Athletics Director Mark Coyle said in a statement.

The sponsorship also supports the U of M’s new Athlete’s Village, including the expanded and modernized academic center, nutrition and dining space and a leadership center for student-athletes.

The Gopher men’s hockey team will play its first game at 3M Arena at Mariucci on Oct. 1.