University of Minnesota Renames Williams Arena to The Barn in Agreement with Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Blue Cross will pay $17 million over 10 years as the partnership adds naming rights and supports health initiatives across Minnesota.
- On Friday, the University of Minnesota officially renamed Williams Arena to "The Barn by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota" as part of a new 10-year naming rights partnership.
- Originally opened in 1928 as the Minnesota Field House, the facility had been known as Williams Arena since 1950, maintaining the historic name for 76 years until this week.
- Blue Cross is investing $17 million over the 10-year agreement, averaging $1.7 million annually and significantly exceeding the 2017 Mariucci Arena sponsorship worth $11.2 million.
- Gophers Director of Athletics Mark Coyle said, "We are grateful to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota," citing the partnership's impact, which includes launching youth sports clinics and community health programs.
- University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham said the partnership will help "expand our health and healthcare workforce," while officials expect The Barn to continue serving as a hub for campus connection for generations.
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Williams Arena gets a new name as part of UMN partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
Williams Arena is now “The Barn by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota”, the University announced Friday, a change that was revealed alongside a 10-year agreement between the University of Minnesota and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. This announcement followed the University’s decision in April 2025 to explore naming-rights opportunities for the arena. This partnership is meant to extend far beyond the arena, as the University and …
Goodbye Williams Arena, hello "The Barn." Gophers and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota rename arena
Gophers Athletics announced Friday that as part of a ten year collaboration with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, the home of Gopher basketball will be named The Barn. "The Barn is one of the most historic and well-known venues in all of college sports, and we are excited for this partnership," says AD Mark Coyle.
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