3M and U of M Announce Gopher Athletics Sponsorship
Gopher hockey arena to be named 3M Arena at Mariucci
ST. PAUL, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The University of Minnesota and 3M announced a new sponsorship on
Monday, the latest in a 90-year relationship between two of the state’s
largest institutions. This 14-year, $11.2 million sponsorship of Gopher
Athletics includes the naming rights to Mariucci Arena. Keeping the
historic Mariucci name, the Gopher hockey facility will now be known as
3M Arena at Mariucci.
“Today’s announcement brings together three names instantly recognizable
across Minnesota – Mariucci, Gopher Hockey and 3M – and that’s certainly
exciting,” said Athletics Director Mark Coyle. “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 has a long tradition of investing in the success of students. Key
areas of the Athletes Village supported by 3M’s sponsorship include an
expanded and modernized academic center, the department’s first
nutrition education and dining space, and an innovative leadership
center devoted to helping student-athletes develop the skills they need
to transition into successful careers.
“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 Mariucci name
on the building is an important element of this agreement.”
“Our father and grandfather was a life-long Minnesotan, and would have
been thrilled to see 3M showing so much support for the University and
for men’s hockey,” said John Mariucci Jr., speaking on behalf of the
Mariucci family. “To have 3M, one of Minnesota’s most respected and
well-known brands, be a part of the rich history of Gopher hockey and
the Mariucci legacy is exciting. 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.”
The Gopher men’s hockey team will play its first games at 3M Arena at
Mariucci on Oct. 1, an exhibition against Alberta, and then on Oct. 13
and 14 to open the Big Ten season against Penn State.
About 3M
At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to
improve lives daily. With $30 billion in sales, our 90,000 employees
connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M’s
creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com
or on Twitter @3M or @3MNewsroom.
3M is a trademark of 3M. (C) 3M 2017.
Contacts
University of Minnesota
Jake Ricker, 612-625-4802
athletics
communications
[email protected]
or
3M
Fanna
Haile-Selassie, 651-736-0876
media relations
[email protected]