Architect : JLG Architects
Total Construction Cost : $9.7M
Square Feet : 19,981
Seating Capacity : 10,200
Project Description:
More than 30 years after Mariucci Arena (now 3M Arena at Mariucci) opened at the University of Minnesota, Gopher fans and players alike remain captivated by the energized environment and best-seat-in-the house views from every angle. After a 2012 overhaul, the university once again embarked on upgrades designed to keep the elite status of its 10,000-seat facility, famed views and “Pride on Ice” program.
Architects worked to lower and reduce the Olympic-size ice sheet, reflecting a nationwide trend toward rink sizes closer to NHL dimensions. The challenge was preventing fixed spectator seating from being positioned too far from the boards. The rink surface was lowered a few feet to create a customized, premium seating experience at ice level. This necessitated updates in life safety and egress calculations, and the arena’s existing structure had to be altered to allow the reconfigured seating to be properly fitted. Debuting in the 2023-24 season, the capacity of 3M Arena at Mariucci increased by more than 200 seats.
The project also included upgrading the ice refrigeration equipment at both 3M Arena at Mariucci and the adjacent Ridder Arena to utilize energy-efficient refrigeration, improved safety features for fans, and a new ice plant location within the building. The ice plant replacement removed ozone-depleting R-22 refrigerant and utilizes new cooling technology with nearly zero global warming potential. Moreover, the work allowed the Ridder ice plant room to be gutted and converted for other building use.