Monday, April 23, 2012

Williams Arena: Home of the Gophers Basketball Teams


Home of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers Men's and Women's basketball team, Williams Arena is affectionately referred to as "The Barn." Williams Arena is located at 1925 University Avenue Southeast in Minneapolis.

Construction of Williams Arena building began in 1927 and was completed in 1928, when it was dedicated as the University of Minnesota Field House. The building features a barrel-vaulted roof, maximizing the number of seats in the arena. The original building housed basketball and winter football practice facilities.

"The Barn" is ranked in the top five of College Basketball Arenas in the country by Inside Sports writers and it is one of just six 1920's era collegiate basketball arenas still in use. The raised floor, one of only a handful in the country, and the deafening roar of 14,000-plus Williams Arena fans unquestionably has something to do with it. Minnesota basketball fans love Williams Arena!