SAINT PAUL – The City of Saint Paul and Minnesota Wild narrowed the immediate scope of the Xcel Energy Center Arena Complex renovation project to prioritize a $488 million upgrade to the 25-year-old Xcel Energy Center, temporarily putting on hold the Saint Paul RiverCentre and Roy Wilkins Auditorium updates until a future date.
The project still includes an entire renovation of Xcel Energy Center, creating a modern, best-in-class facility.
The state contribution would help expand the Xcel Energy Center’s north wall along 5th Street to improve the northeast entrance security area, increase ADA accessibility, reduce congestion in corridors and update restroom plumbing. City and local partners will provide $200 million; the Minnesota Wild will provide the remaining $238 million, plus any cost overruns for the rest of the renovation.
Mayor Melvin Carter said the plan remains in alignment with the city and Wild’s long-term strategy to revitalize the downtown entertainment district, improve player and customer experiences at the arena, and welcome more residents and visitors to Saint Paul while respecting the state’s current financial realities.
“We recognize the serious financial decisions ahead of our lawmakers, which is why it’s important to make strategic and timely investments that move our state forward,” said Mayor Carter. “Renovating the Xcel Energy Center protects one of our most valuable assets, all while setting Saint Paul and our region up for job creation, revitalization, and economic growth.”
In just the first quarter of 2025, the Xcel Energy Center welcomed 1 million visitors for Minnesota Wild and Frost hockey games, concerts, performances, athletic tournaments, and more. Now in its 25th and final intended year of service, the arena is operating beyond capacity.
“Since 2000, the Xcel Energy Center has been the economic engine of downtown Saint Paul, and we’re excited for the opportunity to build on this success,” said Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold. “Saint Paul is uniquely positioned to become a gleaming example nationwide of forward-thinking revitalization. The Wild is committed to our home in the capital of the state of hockey, and we’re proud to invest in the future of Saint Paul.”
Renovations to the 27-year-old Saint Paul RiverCentre and the 93-year-old Roy Wilkins Auditorium remain a key component of the project, with the city and Wild likely to seek additional funding in the coming years.
For an updated project breakdown and more information, visit stpaul.gov/arena.
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