The arena opened in 1993 and is named after John Mariucci, the longtime Gopher coach who is considered the "godfather of Minnesota hockey."

Mariucci Arena has been host to prominent regional, national, and international competitions, including the 2005 and 2009 West Regional of the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship, the 2006 NCAA Women's Division I Ice Hockey Tournament, and the 2006 World Short Track speed skating event.

The renovations would include reducing the ice sheet to approximately 200 by 92.5 feet (61.0 m × 28.2 m), increased seating capacity, improved sightlines and an upgraded weight room.

The renovation spanned 11,000 square feet and included a new training center, a new 'M' Club alumni room and a remodeled office suite.

[5] Ice surface reduction and renovation finally began with removal of the concrete arena rink base shortly after the March 18, 2023, Big Ten championship game.