Mariucci Arena has been host to prominent regional, national, and international competitions, including the 2005 West Regional of the NCAA men's ice hockey tournament, the 2006 Frozen Four in women's ice hockey, and the 2006 World Short Track speed skating event. Mariucci Arena also hosted the inaugural Women's Frozen Four on March 23 and March 25, 2001.
The Minnesota State High School League state hockey tournament holds its consolation bracket at Mariucci.
On November 6, 2004, 10,587 fans watched the Gophers complete the sweep of the arch-rival Wisconsin Badgers, the largest crowd to watch a game at Mariucci Arena.
From 1950 to 1993 the hockey team played in the hockey arena section of Williams Arena. That arena was renamed Mariucci Arena in 1985. People now general refer to that as the "old" Mariucci Arena.
In 2007, Sports Illustrated on Campus named Mariucci Arena one the top ten venues in college sports. The facility was the only ice hockey arena to make the list.