Mariucci arena is appropriately named for the legendary Hall of Famer, John Mariucci. Mariucci was a native of Eveleth, Minnesota and a stand-out University of Minnesota hockey player. For over 40 years he helped Minnesota grow into a strong "State of Hockey." John Mariucci's many accomplishments include helping his squad win the NCAA national championship in 1940, playing five NHL seasons with the Chicago Black Hawks, coaching the University of Minnesota hockey team and advocating the development of local home grown Minnesota talent. Mariucci coached the US Olympic team to silver in 1956 and in 1967 he returned to the NHL with the Minnesota North Stars as the assistant to general manager, a position he held until his death in 1987.
With the capability to have ice year-round, the 10,000-seat arena brings a truly state-of-the-art facility to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. The Olympic size ice sheet makes for a fast-pace, wide open style of Gopher hockey that the Golden Gophers are known for. The building does not have even one obstructed view seat, which is another reason that Golden Gopher hockey is one of the hottest tickets in town. With the best possible sight lines from every seat, no Golden Gopher fan is ever disappointed with the view of the fastest game in town.
Nothing can beat the atmosphere that Mariucci can produce on game night. From the roar of the crowd when the Golden Gophers take the ice, to the roar of the band as they blare out the Minnesota Rouser, Mariucci Arena boasts deep hockey appreciation and tradition. Fans and players alike still are amazed by the breathtaking beauty of a sold-out Mariucci arena and the atmosphere it provides. On game nights, tradition simply boils over and turns Mariucci arena into one of the finest venues to experience a college hockey game in the country.
