Saint Paul’s Premier Venue Renamed Grand Casino Arena in Landmark 14-Year Deal
The Xcel Energy Centre will become Grand Casino Arena in September 2025, marking a notable naming rights partnership for the Minnesota Wild home.
Saint Paul, Minn., is set too witness a major transformation in its downtown entertainment landscape with the announcement of a 14-year naming rights partnership. The venue currently known as the Xcel Energy Center, home to the Minnesota Wild and over 150 annual events, will officially become grand Casino Arena beginning Sept. 3, 2025. This landmark agreement unites Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (MSE) with Grand Casino, an enterprise owned by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
A New Anchor for downtown Saint Paul
This extensive partnership is poised to establish Grand Casino Arena as a vibrant centerpiece for a revitalized entertainment district in downtown Saint Paul. A principal investor in minnesota Sports & Entertainment commented on the profound impact of the collaboration. “grand Casino Arena will serve as the anchor of a dynamic entertainment district that transforms downtown saint Paul,” a majority owner and principal investor in Minnesota Sports & Entertainment stated. “The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe has been a strong supporter of and investor in this city. We are thrilled for their partnership and support of the arena.”
This sentiment underscores a long-standing relationship between the region and the tribal nation, now culminating in a prominent public display.
Did you know? – The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe has a history of investing in Saint Paul. This partnership reflects their commitment to the city’s growth and the arena’s central role in the community.
Beyond a Name: The Vision of Tribal enterprise
For Grand Casino, which operates two gaming and hospitality destinations in Minnesota under the ownership of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, this move represents a strategic expansion of its influence beyond traditional gaming. The Chief Executive Officer of grand Casino articulated the broader significance of the renaming. “This is more than a name change – it’s a signal of where we’re headed as a business,” the executive commented. “Grand Casino Arena represents the strength of tribal enterprise, and our ongoing investment in Minnesota’s future. We’re proud to partner with the Minnesota wild to bring this vision to life.”
This commitment extends to enhancing the fan experience with new initiatives. Grand Casino’s Head of Marketing emphasized the potential for deeper engagement. “This partnership is a dream – Grand Casino Arena gives us an astonishing platform to engage fans, tell our story in bold new ways, and bring the Grand Casino experience to downtown Saint Paul,” the marketing head noted. “From digital activations to in-arena surprises, we’re building something unforgettable.”
Reader question: – How do you think this partnership will change the fan experience at the arena? will the “grand Casino experience” be noticeable during events? Share your thoughts.
Transitioning the Iconic Venue
The transition will involve a extensive rebranding of the multi-purpose facility. All exterior and interior signage, including the crucial center ice insignia, will be replaced to reflect the new Grand Casino Arena identity. This overhaul is scheduled for completion before the start of the 2025-26 NHL regular season, aligning with the September 2025 effective date.
the prior naming rights agreement with Xcel Energy concludes after a triumphant 25-year run, coinciding with the arena’s opening in September 2000. While the arena naming rights are changing, the minnesota wild team separately confirmed a new multi-year partnership with Xcel Energy on April 15, 2025, ensuring the utility company continues as a significant community and business partner for the team.
A Legacy of Entertainment and Sustainability
The venue, which opened its doors on Sept. 29, 2000, has hosted more than 150 events and welcomed over 1.7 million visitors annually. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, it saw one million visitors for events ranging from hockey games to major concerts and athletic tournaments. The 17,954-seat arena has been a stage for some of the world’s most iconic events and performers, including:
- Super Bowl LII Opening Night and Media Day events
- 2008 Republican National Convention
- NCAA Men’s Frozen Four (2024, 2018, 2011, 2002)
- U.S. Figure Skating Championships (2016, 2008)
- USA Gymnastics National Championships (2011, 2006)
Musicians such as Taylor swift, Shania Twain, Madonna, bruno Mars, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, and Minnesota native Prince have graced its stage. The arena has drawn more than 33.5 million fans as its inception.
Pro tip: – Mark your calendars! The rebranding will be complete before the 2025-26 NHL season. Keep an eye out for the new signage and any special events celebrating the change.
Beyond its extraordinary event roster, the facility and the adjacent Saint Paul RiverCentre are recognized leaders in sustainable practices.They have earned three autonomous global certifications: LEED (Gold), EIC/SES (Gold), and Green Globes, making them the only complex worldwide to achieve this distinction. this commitment to environmental duty reflects a broader dedication to creating exceptional guest experiences.The Saint Paul Arena Company manages the venue, with Minnesota Sports & Entertainment overseeing its facility management as part of its broader portfolio of regional sports and entertainment assets.
The new Grand Casino Arena era promises to build upon this robust foundation, fostering continued economic growth and cultural connection for the region and the Mille Lacs band of Ojibwe.
The Impact Beyond the Ice: Unpacking the Grand Casino Arena Deal
The shift of the Xcel Energy Center to the Grand Casino Arena marks a significant transition for Saint Paul,and the Minnesota Wild. It’s more than just a name change; it’s a strategic play wiht deep roots and far-reaching implications for the local economy, the fan experience, and the future of tribal enterprise [[1]].
This transformative deal, a 14-year naming rights agreement, unites Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (MSE) with Grand Casino, owned by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe [[1]]. This collaboration promises to establish the arena as a vibrant cornerstone within a revitalized entertainment district thriving in downtown Saint Paul [[1]].
The Economic Engine: Jobs, Revenue, and Community Impact
The renaming will act as a catalyst for economic growth within Saint Paul.Increased visibility frequently enough translates into boosts in tourism, and an influx of visitors can invigorate surrounding businesses. The influx of visitors is also a win for the community. This generates more jobs and strengthens the economic vitality of the surrounding areas.
The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe’s investment in the arena underscores their commitment to the city’s growth.This partnership will create a continuous ripple effect,fostering new opportunities and further investments. It’s a demonstration of their deep-seated belief in the city’s potential and its ability to serve as a hub for entertainment and cultural connection.
Enhancing the Fan Experience: What’s in Store
Fans can expect a revitalized and immersive arena experience. Grand casino has a dedicated focus on increasing fan engagement, bringing the Grand casino experience right to the seats [[1]]. Expect interactive digital activations, in-arena surprises, and more special events. Such plans are expected as the transition develops, promising to bring something new to the fan base. This is also a way to build a relationship with the local community and ensure their loyalty to the home team.
Looking ahead,here are a few things to anticipate:
- Enhanced Digital Engagement: Interactive apps and social media integrations.
- Themed Events: Special nights celebrating various aspects of Ojibwe culture.
- Improved Concessions: Menus featuring a variety of food and beverage options.
Sustainability and the Future
The venue’s commitment to sustainability will continue under the new partnership [[1]]. This ongoing dedication not only helps the environment, but also bolsters Saint Paul’s reputation. The arena and adjacent areas have earned significant environmental certifications, a testament to these practices.
The shift to Grand Casino Arena presents an exciting future for the venue and Saint Paul.The partnership gives Grand Casino an important platform to engage fans and showcase its brand. The rebranded arena is poised to become a premier destination for entertainment and foster economic prosperity in the region.
FAQs
what does this partnership mean for the Minnesota Wild?
For the Minnesota Wild, this deal gives them a partner that will invest in their home, improving their fan experience and creating an exciting atmosphere. The arena will be the site of more diverse events, increasing attendance.
Will there be visible changes inside the arena?
Yes. The transition includes replacing signage and branding throughout the facility. Changes are planned before the 2025-26 NHL season.
Will Xcel Energy still be involved with the Minnesota Wild?
Absolutely. Xcel Energy and the wild confirmed a new multi-year partnership on April 15, 2025, ensuring Xcel’s continued support of the team and community [[1]].
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