3M Arena at Mariucci

Imagine a place where the ice literally melts from the passion of the fans—this is 3M Arena at Mariucci, a true sanctuary of college hockey in Minneapolis. This indoor sports complex, located in the heart of the University of Minnesota campus, is home to the famous Golden Gophers men's team. Opened in 1993 in the USA, the arena quickly earned its status as one of the premier venues for collegiate sports.

The stadium owes its name to John Mariucci, a legendary coach whose contribution to the development of the sport in the region cannot be overstated. A unique feature of its architecture is the single tier of seating, designed so that every seat provides an impeccable view of the rink. This creates an incredible atmosphere of unity between fans and players, which Sports Illustrated once ranked among the top ten in college sports.

Inside, guests are greeted by the George Lyon Lobby—a museum of sorts showcasing trophies, plaques, and photos of Olympians and champions. Following a recent renovation in 2023, the arena became even more modern, featuring hybrid ice and updated multimedia systems, while retaining its historic charm and cozy interior brickwork.

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The main reason to visit 3M Arena at Mariucci is, of course, hockey. Attending a Golden Gophers game is more than just watching a sporting event; it's an immersion into a unique culture. You can witness the famous "Pride on Ice" program, hear the roar of the crowd, and enjoy a game in a venue where the sounds of the match are piped even into the glass-walled lobby, creating a total immersion effect.

Be sure to stop by the George Lyon Lobby before the game. This is the heart of Minnesota hockey glory: you can view numerous NCAA championship banners, memorabilia from the Blue Line Club, and displays dedicated to John Mariucci's career. A walk along the open concourse allows you to watch the action on the ice even while buying snacks, so you don't miss a second of game time.

For those seeking premium comfort, the arena offers luxury suites and the Gold Room, which seats 240 and offers panoramic views. If you find yourself here in 2026, you'll have the chance to witness international glory as the arena prepares to host matches for the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. Even on non-game days, it's interesting to simply walk around, admire the historic brick of the old stadium, and soak in the spirit of great victories.

3M Arena at Mariucci is conveniently located on the University of Minnesota campus. The easiest way to get here from downtown is via public transportation. The METRO lines (Green and Blue) will take you to the East Bank station, which is just a few minutes' walk from the ice arena. University campus shuttle buses also run regularly through the area.

If you prefer traveling by taxi or a rental car, the drive from downtown takes no more than 10–15 minutes. From Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), the trip via I-94 takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic. For those who enjoy walking, the route from downtown neighborhoods to the arena is about a 30-minute stroll through picturesque student quarters.

For drivers, paid parking is available on campus, but spots fill up quickly on major game days. It is recommended to book a parking spot in advance via the university's official sports portal to avoid the pre-game rush.

The history of 3M Arena at Mariucci began in 1993, when it was built to replace the outdated Williams–Mariucci Arena. The new building was designed to meet all the requirements of modern hockey: a compact design, excellent sightlines, and an innovative upper tier of seating that allows fans to be as close to the ice as possible.

The arena is named after the legendary John Mariucci, who is rightfully considered the "godfather" of hockey in the state of Minnesota. Until 2002, the university's women's team also trained and played here until the separate Ridder Arena was built for them, connected to the main complex by an underground tunnel. Over the years, the facility has undergone several major renovations, including the installation of modern LED panels and updated lighting systems.

In 2023, the arena underwent another significant modernization: the ice size was converted to a hybrid standard, making the game more dynamic and allowing for an additional 200 spectator seats. Today, the venue holds over 10,000 people and remains one of the most environmentally friendly sports facilities in the region thanks to its use of modern cooling systems.

If you plan to attend a hockey match, budget about 2–3 hours for your visit. This includes passing through security, the game itself with intermissions, and a relaxed exit from the stands after the final buzzer. It is recommended to arrive an hour before puck drop to tour the lobby exhibits and avoid queues.

For those who just want to see the architecture and visit the hockey hall of fame in the lobby without attending a game, 40–60 minutes will be sufficient. This is enough time to soak up the spirit of the "State of Hockey" and take some commemorative photos by the famous entrance arch.

The operating schedule for 3M Arena at Mariucci depends directly on the calendar of sports events and university training sessions. On game days, doors typically open 1–1.5 hours before the opening face-off. This gives fans a chance to find their seats and visit the souvenir shops without rushing.

For tourists wishing to see the lobby and exhibits outside of game times, there are no fixed public hours. It is recommended to check the schedule on the official website gophersports.com or contact the university administration beforehand, as access to the building may be restricted during private practices.

A visit to a hockey game can be complemented by exploring other interesting places in the region. The area surrounding the arena and the nearby cities offer many options for family fun, shopping, and active leisure.