University of Minnesota Athletics
Williams Arena
6/27/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Williams Arena
1925 University Avenue SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Phone: 612-625-3007
Fax: 612-625-7788
EmailFan Guide
Event Parking and Directions to Campus
Women's Basketball Photo Album
Men's Basketball Photo Album
Rental Information
Visiting? Preferred Hotel Guide
Construction on what is now known as Williams Arena was started in 1927 and completed in 1928, when it was dedicated as the University of Minnesota Field House. It cost $650,000 and initially had a seating capacity of 14,100 with bleacher and standing room expansion to 16,000. The original building housed basketball and winter football practice facilities. When the basketball season was completed, the portable floor was taken out and replaced by a pair of tennis courts and an indoor track.
The building was remodeled in 1950. Renamed in honor of Dr. Henry L. Williams, U of M football coach from 1900 to 1921, it was divided into a hockey arena on one end and a basketball arena with a seating capacity of 18,025 on the other. From 1950 until 1971, it had the largest capacity of any collegiate basketball arena in the country. The capacity has been reduced to 14,625 in recent years due to renovation, fire-code restrictions and handicapped-seating construction. Following the 1991-92 season, the renovation of Williams Arena began as part of a $41 million project for on-campus sports facilities. The first phase was completed in time for the 1992-93 season opener. The Golden Gophers’ locker room, training room, weight facilities, spacious offices and team meeting rooms were updated. The locker room was named in honor of former Golden Gopher coach Ozzie Cowles through the more than $100,000 in gifts from many of his former players.
The east end addition is highlighted by the Williams Arena Club on the third floor. The Club overlooks the floor and can hold parties of up to 200 fans, adding another touch of class to an already classy arena. The second phase of the renovation project was completed during the summer of 1993. It included the installation of theater-style seats, the widening of concourse areas and the addition of both concession areas and women’s restrooms.
A large portion of the renovation was financed by private gifts, including those to the successful $5.5 million sports-facilities campaign, and by the generous participation of fans through the assured-seating program.
In the summer of 1997, 21 barn lofts above the second deck were built. The lofts offer a spectacular birds-eye view of the court with luxury amenities. The $2.3 million project added 304 seats to the capacity, raising it to 14,625.
Most recently, the women's basketball team has moved into Williams Arena and with that, both locker room and team areas for both the men and women have been remodeled. With the move over to Williams Arena, the facility has been the site of the 2004, 2005 and upcoming 2007 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament First and Second Rounds.Directions to the Williams Arena:
Williams Arena is located on the East Bank of the University of Minnesota’s Minneapolis campus, on University Ave. SE between Oak St. and 19th Ave. SE across from the University Aquatic Center.
Going South on I-35W: Take exit 18, the University of Minnesota East Bank exit. Follow the University of Minnesota signs, and turn left on University Ave. SE. Williams Arena will be about 10 blocks down University and on the left.
Going North on I-35W: Take exit 17C, the University of Minnesota exit. Follow the University of Minnesota East Bank signs which will lead to Washington Ave. Take Washington over the river and through campus to Oak St. SE (4th stoplight) and turn left. Take Oak to University Ave. Williams Arena will be on the left.
Going East or West on I-94: Take the University of Minnesota east bank exit (Huron Blvd). Follow Huron Blvd to Oak St SE. Williams Arena will be on the left.
From Mpls/St. Paul International Airport: Take I-494 Westbound and exit onto northbound I-35W. Follow I-35W directions (above).
