DOWNLOAD OUR MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS CATALOG

The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers are a collegiate athletic program that fields 23 varsity teams, including 12 men's and 11 women's sports teams. The Golden Gophers have a rich history that dates back more than a century, with notable successes in football, basketball, hockey, and other sports.

Early Years

The University of Minnesota's athletic program began in 1882 with the formation of a football team. The team played its first game against Hamline University, which resulted in a 4-0 victory for Minnesota. The team quickly became a regional powerhouse, and by the early 1900s, it was one of the best football programs in the country.

Football Success

Minnesota's football program has been one of the most successful in college football history, winning seven national championships and 18 conference titles. The team's most successful period came during the 1930s and 1940s, when it won five national championships and seven conference titles under coach Bernie Bierman.

Basketball and Hockey

Minnesota's basketball program has also had success, with two Final Four appearances and two Big Ten championships. The team's most successful period was in the 1990s, when it made four straight NCAA tournament appearances under coach Clem Haskins.

The university's men's hockey program is also highly successful, with five national championships and 20 conference championships. The team's most successful period came in the 1970s and 1980s, when it won three national championships and seven conference titles under coach Herb Brooks.

Women's Sports

Minnesota's women's sports programs have also been highly successful, with national championships in hockey, volleyball, and softball. The women's hockey program is one of the most successful in college sports history, with six national championships and eight conference titles.

Other Sports

Minnesota has had success in a number of other sports as well, including wrestling, swimming and diving, and track and field. The wrestling program has won three national championships and 25 conference titles, while the swimming and diving program has won six conference titles. The track and field program has produced a number of Olympic athletes and has won 12 conference titles.

Facilities

The University of Minnesota's athletic facilities are some of the best in the country. The football team plays in TCF Bank Stadium, a 50,000-seat stadium that opened in 2009. The basketball team plays in Williams Arena, one of the oldest and most historic basketball venues in the country. The men's and women's hockey teams play in 3M Arena at Mariucci, a 10,000-seat arena that opened in 1993.