New Name Announced for Xcel Energy Center After 25 Years

ST. PAUL, MN — One of Minnesota’s most iconic sports venues is getting a new name.

The Minnesota Sports and Entertainment (MSE) group announced Monday that it has entered a 14-year naming rights agreement with Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley, which are owned by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.

Beginning Sept. 3, 2025, the Xcel Energy Center in downtown St. Paul, home of the Minnesota Wild, will be known as "Grand Casino Arena."

"Grand Casino Arena will serve as the anchor of a dynamic entertainment district that transforms downtown Saint Paul," said Craig Leipold, majority owner and principal investor in Minnesota Sports and Entertainment, in a statement.

"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."

The venue hosts more than 150 sporting and entertainment events each year. All interior and exterior signage, including the center ice logo, will be updated ahead of the 2025-26 NHL regular season.

"This is more than a name change - it’s a signal of where we’re headed as a business," said Ronda Weizenegger, Chief Executive Officer of Grand Casino.

"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. I’d also like to thank Ted Johnson of Norden Strategies for his instrumental role in making this moment possible."

"This partnership is a dream - Grand Casino Arena gives us an incredible platform to engage fans, tell our story in bold new ways, and bring the Grand Casino experience to downtown Saint Paul,” said Jeff LaFrance, Head of Marketing for Grand Casino. "From digital activations to in-arena surprises, we’re building something unforgettable."

Xcel Energy, which has held naming rights since the arena opened, will continue as a key community and business partner of the Wild under a new multi-year agreement announced in April.

Read more: 'Xcel Energy Center' Name Going Away After 25 Years