The Xcel Energy Center will officially become Grand Casino Arena on September 3rd.
Minnesota Sports & Entertainment secured a 14-year naming rights deal with the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
Xcel Energy's naming rights partnership, which began in 2000, has ended.
The City of St. Paul and the Minnesota Wild previously sought $50 million in state funds for arena renovations, but the funding was not included in this year's budget agreement.
Despite the name change, Xcel Energy will maintain a business and community partnership with the Wild.
Why This Matters: The renaming signifies a shift in the arena's identity and reflects the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe's investment in the city and the arena's future.
After holding the naming rights since the arena's opening in 2000, Xcel Energy's partnership concluded, paving the way for Grand Casino to step in. The 18,000-seat arena in downtown Saint Paul will undergo signage changes both inside and out before the start of the 2025 NHL season.
Craig Leipold, majority owner and principal investor in Minnesota Sports & Entertainment, emphasized that the Grand Casino Arena will anchor a dynamic entertainment district that transforms downtown Saint Paul. Ronda Weizenegger, chief executive officer of Grand Casino, highlighted that this is more than a name change; it represents the strength of tribal enterprise and their ongoing investment in Minnesota's future.
Q: When does the name change take effect?
The name officially changes to Grand Casino Arena on September 3rd.
Q: How long is the naming rights partnership with Grand Casino?
The partnership is for 14 years, running through 2039.
Q: Will Xcel Energy still be involved with the Minnesota Wild?
Yes, Xcel Energy will continue as a business and community partner of the team.
The Minnesota Wild's home arena has a new name: Grand Casino Arena.
This change reflects a significant partnership with the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
Expect to see new signage and branding around the arena by the start of the 2025 NHL season.
What do you think about the new name for the Xcel Energy Center? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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