The nearly 100-year-old partnership between 3M and the University of Minnesota entered an exciting new era with the announcement of 3M's 14-year, $11.2 million sponsorship of Gopher Athletics that includes naming rights to Mariucci Arena. Keeping the historic Mariucci name, the Gopher hockey facility will now be known as 3M Arena at Mariucci.
Said Gopher Athletics Director Mark Coyle in a statement, "This sponsorship will have a broad impact across our athletics department by supporting construction of our new Athletes Village. By partnering with us, 3M is investing in every current and future Gopher student-athlete, the future leaders of our state. 3M will be a big reason why each of those young men and women have a first-class experience at Minnesota that prepares them for the rest of their lives.”
“3M and the University are long-time collaborators, and alumni contribute greatly to our success, innovation and growth,” said Paul Acito, vice president and chief marketing officer at 3M. “Our sponsorship of Mariucci Arena and Golden Gopher Hockey is a tribute to our Minnesota roots, and an opportunity to support a great Minnesota tradition alongside a new generation of fans."
Keeping the historic Mariucci name on the building was central to all parties of the agreement. "We are happy that 3M and the U felt it was important to continue honoring our father and grandfather's legacy and kept the Mariucci name tied to the arena. It's a privilege for our family to be so closely associated with two of Minnesota's most recognizable and important institutions," said John Mariucci Jr., on behalf of the Mariucci family. Read the full statement.
The morning of the July 10 announcement, several members of the media, along with representatives from the University and 3M, gathered in the newly named facility to learn more about the partnership and get a peek at renderings of the two iconic brands together on a new venue. View the news conference.