St. Paul, MN – September 3, 2025 – The Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul has officiallyโ been renamed the Grand Casinoโ Arena,โค marking aโฃ new chapter for the venue and a significant investment โคin its future. โขThe naming rights agreement was celebrated today withโ a ceremony attended by teamโข owner Craig โฃLeipold and Grand Casino General Manager and Executive Director Ath.
The change comes as the Minnesota Wild continue to navigate securingโ funding for a plannedโข arena remodel.Originally pitched as a $769 million project encompassing the arena and adjoining RiverCentre Conventionโ Center and Roy Wilkins โAuditorium, the proposal was scaled back โto $488 million, requestingโค $50โ million in state bond funds. Despite efforts across two legislative sessions, the team was unsuccessful โin securing state funding, and was again “shut out” when the session closed in June. Leipold stated the team is now seeking $100 million from the state.
During Wednesday’s event, Athโ announced the order of 1,800 end plaques for the seating aisles, all bearing the “Grand Casino” name. st. Paul Mayor Carter proclaimed Wednesday โค”Grand Casino Arena Day” in the city,calling the arena “essential to downtown’s future.”
Leipold emphasized his commitment to st. Paul,but acknowledged the long-term viability ofโ the team dependsโฃ on arena improvements. “I’m a โฃSt. Paul person, I really am,” he said, “But Iโค also know we can’t survive long-term in this arena.” He confirmed the team is โnot currently exploring relocation options but will consider all possibilities if state funding continues to be unavailable.
As openingโค in 2000, the arena has hosted over 34 million fans. โLeipold also noted that one of his sons is currently in a management-training role with the team.
To commemorate the new partnership, Wind presented Leipold with a star quilt embroidered in the Ojibwe style, incorporating Minnesota Wild colors and patterns.