Mark Coyle, the new athletic director at the University of Minnesota, has been threatening it for months. I suppose that softens the blow a bit. At least it comes as no surprise that the athletic department has sold out Mariucci Arena, the home of Golden Gopher Hockey, to Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing. Better known as 3M.
Mariucci will be rechristened 3M Arena at Mariucci on October 1, when the Gophers play an exhibition game against Alberta, and the University of Minnesota will receive $11.2 million over 14 years for the sell out.
Most of the press release will cause alum to vomit, but my favorite part was:
“Today’s announcement brings together three names instantly recognizable across Minnesota –Mariucci, Gopher Hockey and 3M — and that’s certainly exciting.” — Mark Coyle
Oh, I’m excited all right.
No word yet on when Pillsbury Doughboy at Williams will be announced for the venerable old Barn, where the basketball team plays. Expect that in the coming weeks.
July 11th, 2017 at 11:44 AM
I must have missed something [or my old age memory has forgotten], WHY was the arena sold?
July 12th, 2017 at 3:33 AM
Sorry for the confusion: They sold the naming rights to the arena, not the arena itself. John Mariucci is known as the “Godfather” of Minnesota hockey, as an alum, I’m not thrilled that they are pushing aside their history for money. I think they could have come up with a better solution.
July 12th, 2017 at 10:33 AM
I agree!! That has happened to many of our stadiums.