This is What Transformation Looks Like

This is a generational opportunity to go all in on revitalization by transforming Downtown Saint Paul into a more dynamic entertainment district anchored by a renovated Grand Casino Arena Complex.

The proposed renovation project is the cornerstone of a safer, more energized Saint Paul, attracting more visitors, more activity, and more vitality. The project also boosts efforts to grow tourism, support the city’s all-in public safety framework, and bring more residents to live in the downtown core.

A renovated Grand Casino Arena Complex is a catalyst for Saint Paul’s growth, fueling momentum and unlocking new opportunities for entertainment, restaurants, retail, housing, hotels, and more.

Project Information

From Vision to Reality

The Grand Casino Arena (formerly Xcel Energy Center), which opened in 2000, is in its final year of its intended 25-year lifespan. A renovation is required to preserve the city-owned facility and maintain its status as an exceptional local and statewide destination. Proposed renovations to the Grand Casino Arena Complex include:

  • Upgrading security near northeast entrance and along north side
  • Improving accessibility throughout arena
  • Expanding the north wall outward along 5th Street
  • Updating restroom plumbing

The long-term vision of this project includes a full renovation of the entire Arena Complex, which also includes the Saint Paul RiverCentre and Roy Wilkins Auditorium.

Project Funding Breakdown: 

  • Grand Casino Arena - $666 million
  • Saint Paul RiverCentre - $58.5 million
  • Roy Wilkins Auditorium - $175.5 million

Total cost to renovate the Grand Casino Arena Complex - $900 million

Saint Paul

DID YOU KNOW?

· Grand Casino Arena (formerly Xcel Energy Center) was last upgraded in 2014 when arena seats were replaced with new cushioned seating.

· Roy Wilkins Auditorium was built in 1932, renovated in 1984, and last underwent upgrades in 2005.

· Saint Paul RiverCentre opened in 1998 and requires facility upgrades to remain accessible and competitive.

· 85% of Minnesotans in a recent poll agree that updating the Grand Casino Arena is important to Saint Paul’s revitalization.

· A renovated Arena Complex is projected to boost downtown spending to an estimated $493 million and create approximately 2,300 union construction jobs.

Reinvesting in the Economic Engine of Saint Paul

The Arena Complex, which includes the Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul RiverCentre, and Roy Wilkins Auditorium, stands as the most prolific driver of economic activity in the Capital City—no single business or entity attracts more people to downtown Saint Paul. Each year, the Arena Complex serves over 2.1 million visitors and contributes $383 million in spending for the City of Saint Paul.

The Grand Casino Arena (formerly Xcel Energy Center) was constructed in 2000 at a cost of $173 million, with 30% of funding contributed by public sources and the remaining 70% invested by the Minnesota Wild. It needs critical reinvestment to improve accessibility, enhance visitor and vendor experience, and upgrade infrastructure, technological, and space needs.

The Grand Casino Arena is home to the Minnesota Wild and Minnesota Frost professional hockey teams, and hosts a wide variety of events, including major national and international concert tours and performances, Minnesota State High School League tournaments, collegiate tournaments, and more. 

Drone shot of downtown Saint Paul

Economic Rejuvenation Opportunity

  • The Arena Complex, which includes the Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul RiverCentre, and Roy Wilkins Auditorium, currently generates an annual $383 million in local spending across lodging, meals, transportation, and other goods and services.
  • The long-term vision of this project also includes a full renovation of the three-site Arena Complex
  • A full Arena Complex renovation is estimated to:
    • boost annual spending to $493 million
    • create 2,300 union construction jobs
    • employ more than 5,000 people in Saint Paul
Grand Casino Arena at night

Downtown Transformation

  • Boosts momentum for the city's bold Downtown Revitalization framework, which lays out a vision for creating a reinvigorated downtown core.
  • Enhances the city's Community-First Public Safety framework by creating a safer, more active, vibrant, and walkable district.
  • Estimated to produce a $110 million annual increase in economic activity in Saint Paul.
  • Reinvestment in the urban core is essential to countering downtown trends nationwide.
  • Strengthens capacity to attract and host more events, further spotlighting Saint Paul as a premier destination and adding to the tax base.

More Than Just Hockey

Regional and Statewide Asset

Recent News

Rendering of New Xcel Energy Center Exterior

Minnesota Wild Owner’s ‘All In’ for 2025 Arena Funding

3/31/2025 | Twin Cities Business

Earlier this month, Minnesota Wild Owner Craig Leipold and Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter jointly appeared before the investment committees in the Minnesota House and Senate seeking state funding to renovate the Xcel Energy Center Arena Complex.

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Center ice at Xcel Energy Center

St. Paul, Minnesota Wild want state to cover half of $769M Xcel Energy Center renovation

3/29/2025 | Star Tribune

Gutting and refurbishing the 25-year-old arena would cost nearly three-quarters of the total, with Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter saying the facility is at the end of its competitive lifespan. Improvements would include upgraded seating options; security and accessibility enhancements; new HVAC and wiring; and the addition of public-facing restaurants attached to the building’s exterior.

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Outside of Xcel Energy Center at night

St. Paul looks to state for half of $769 million renovation of the Xcel Center

3/20/2025 | Pioneer Press

The mayor’s office said it's due for major accessibility, technology and building upgrades in order to sustain the number of events and opportunities choosing St. Paul. They predicted the planned renovations will drive concerts, conventions and sporting events to downtown, boosting annual local spending by $110 million.

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Outside of Xcel Energy Center

St. Paul, Minnesota Wild look for state help in Xcel Energy Center renovation

3/19/2025 | Minnesota Public Radio

The Xcel Energy Center was built in downtown St. Paul in 2000 as a way to draw an NHL expansion team to Minnesota. It worked and opened the door for the Minnesota Wild. But a quarter-century after it opened, St. Paul city leaders and Wild executives say it is time for the city-owned arena and adjoining facilities to get a renovation.

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A construction worker does maintenance work on a stadium

Minnesota pro sports teams face vast stadium, ballpark and arena needs

2/7/2025 | Star Tribune

The Wild, St. Paul and Ramsey County will ask the state to cover half the Xcel renovations, with the remaining costs split among themselves, a city spokesperson said. League and local officials have not revealed the dollar figure they’re seeking, but they previously said the project will cost about $300 million.

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Gary Bettman, NHL Commissioner

Wild insider: Bettman pushes for public funding of Xcel Energy Center renovations

1/28/2025 | New York Times

Xcel Energy Center is also the heartbeat of St. Paul nightlife, so an arena renovation could trigger redevelopment around the arena and revitalize downtown with the possible addition of a hotel, residential areas, retail and restaurants. Bettman weighed in Thursday, making it clear that he thinks the Wild deserve public money because of what they and the arena do for downtown St. Paul, the surrounding community and the state.

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Archived News Articles

Last Edited: November 13, 2025