The Minnesota Golden Gophers are the athletic teams representing the University of Minnesota, located in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. They compete in the Big Ten Conference, which is one of the major collegiate athletic conferences in the United States. The teams are known for their distinctive maroon and gold colors and have a strong tradition in various sports, including football, basketball, and hockey. The Golden Gophers have a rich history, with their football team winning multiple national championships and their hockey team being recognized as one of the top programs in college hockey. The university's mascot is Goldy Gopher, a friendly character that represents school spirit at games and events.