The University’s Board of Regents unanimously approved a plan Thursday to build 18 suites at Mariucci Arena.
The suites, to be located in the arena’s northeast corner, will cost about $34,000 per season depending on their view, said Richard Pfutzenreuter, associate vice president for University finance and operations.
The price for the suites will increase by 5 percent each year.
The project is expected to add 282 seats to the 8,286 seats currently in the men’s hockey facility. The units will vary in seating capacity, and include three 12-person suites, eight 15-person suites and seven 18-person suites.
University officials decided to build suites after conducting an informal survey of Williams Arena suite holders, according to regents’ documents.
The project is expected to cost $3.5 million. In addition, annual operating and maintenance costs for the suites are estimated at $85,000.
Eric Kruse, vice president for University services, said the maintenance and construction costs for the facility will be covered by the extra revenue generated from the suites.
The suites are expected to bring in $613,230 during the 2001-02 season if they are filled to capacity.
University officials said they expect to easily lease all the suites.
“I think this is going to go like gangbusters,” said Regent Robert Bergland.
Minnesota corporations are expected to purchase most of the suites, Pfutzenreuter said.
Construction for the suites is slated for April and is expected to be finished in November.

Patrick Hayes welcomes comments at [email protected]