Minnesota Wild's Arena Gets HUGE New Name! You Won't Believe It!
Get ready, Minnesota Wild fans! The Xcel Energy Center, home to the Minnesota Wild, is getting a brand new name for the first time in its history. Starting September 3, 2025, the arena will be known as the Grand Casino Arena.
This exciting announcement comes as Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (MSE) and Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley, owned by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, have entered into a 14-year naming rights partnership. This means a significant change for the iconic venue in downtown Saint Paul, which hosts over 150 sporting and entertainment events each year.
A New Era for the Arena
Craig Leipold, majority owner of MSE, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating that "Grand Casino Arena will serve as the anchor of a dynamic entertainment district that transforms downtown Saint Paul." He also highlighted the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe's long-standing support and investment in the city.
Ronda Weizenegger, CEO of Grand Casino, sees this as more than just a name change. "Grand Casino Arena represents the strength of tribal enterprise, and our ongoing investment in Minnesota’s future," she said. "We’re proud to partner with the Minnesota Wild to bring this vision to life."
What to Expect
- All exterior and interior signage will be replaced to reflect the new name.
- The center ice insignia will be updated.
- The first event under the new name is slated to be a Jason Aldean concert on September 6, 2025.
While Xcel Energy will no longer hold the naming rights, they will continue to be a sponsor of the Wild, maintaining a presence in the arena and providing grants to youth and high school organizations.
The new partnership promises substantial exposure and programming for Grand Casino throughout the arena. Jeff LaFrance, Head of Marketing for Grand Casino, is excited about the possibilities: "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."
So, mark your calendars for September 3, 2025, and get ready to experience the Grand Casino Arena!