The home of the Minnesota Wild is set for a significant transformation as Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (MSE) and Grand Casino announce a 14-year naming rights partnership. Starting September 3, 2025, the Xcel Energy Center will be known as Grand Casino Arena, marking a new chapter for the venue and its partners. This collaboration signifies a strong commitment to Minnesota’s sports and entertainment landscape.
This partnership not only rebrands a major sports and entertainment hub but also highlights the ongoing investment of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe in the state’s future. Grand Casino Arena is poised to become a dynamic entertainment district, enhancing the experience for fans and visitors alike. Let’s delve into the details of this exciting announcement and what it means for the community.
Grand Casino Arena: A New Era Begins
Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (MSE) and Grand Casino, owned by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, have joined forces in a 14-year naming rights partnership. This agreement will see the Xcel Energy Center, home to the Minnesota Wild, rebranded as Grand Casino Arena starting September 3, 2025. The venue hosts over 150 sporting and entertainment events annually, making it a key destination in downtown Saint Paul.
Craig Leipold, majority owner and principal investor in MSE, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “Grand Casino Arena will serve as the anchor of a dynamic entertainment district that transforms downtown Saint Paul. 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.”
More Than a Name Change: A Vision for the Future
Ronda Weizenegger, CEO of Grand Casino, highlighted the strategic significance of this partnership. “This is more than a name change – it’s a signal of where we’re headed as a business,” she said. “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.”
Jeff LaFrance, Head of Marketing for Grand Casino, added, “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. From digital activations to in-arena surprises, we’re building something unforgettable.”
Arena Updates and Signage
As part of the agreement, comprehensive updates will be made to the arena. All exterior and interior signage will be replaced to reflect the Grand Casino Arena branding, including the center ice insignia. The goal is to complete all signage replacements before the commencement of the 2025-26 NHL regular season, ensuring a fresh and cohesive look for the venue.
The Minnesota Wild also extended their gratitude to OVG Global Partnerships for their crucial role in securing this naming rights partnership. Their strategic guidance and collaboration were instrumental in bringing this deal to fruition.
Gratitude to Xcel Energy
The Minnesota Wild acknowledged the end of their successful 25-year naming rights agreement with Xcel Energy. A new multi-year partnership was announced on April 15, 2025, to ensure Xcel Energy remains a major community and business partner of the team. This ongoing collaboration underscores their commitment to the region and its residents.
About Xcel Energy Center
Xcel Energy Center is a versatile, multi-purpose facility hosting over 150 events annually and attracting 1.7 million visitors. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the venue welcomed one million visitors for various events, including Minnesota Wild and Minnesota Frost hockey games, concerts, and tournaments. Since opening on September 29, 2000, it has hosted major events such as the Super Bowl LII Opening Night, the 2008 Republican National Convention, and numerous NCAA Men’s Frozen Four tournaments.
The venue is celebrated for its commitment to sustainability, holding certifications from LEED (Gold), EIC/SES (Gold), and Green Globes. The Saint Paul Arena Company manages the arena, ensuring top-notch experiences for all guests.
About Grand Casino
Grand Casino, owned by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, operates two premier gaming and hospitality destinations in Minnesota. Their mission-driven enterprise focuses on generating sustainable economic opportunities for the Mille Lacs Band while providing exceptional guest experiences. The naming rights to Grand Casino Arena further extend their reach in entertainment, sports, and cultural engagement.
About Minnesota Sports & Entertainment
Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (MSE) is a regional leader in sports and entertainment, encompassing the Minnesota Wild, the Iowa Wild, 317 on Rice Park, and the management of Xcel Energy Center, TRIA Rink, Saint Paul RiverCentre, and the Roy Wilkins Auditorium.
About The Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild, established in 2000, is a successful NHL franchise based in downtown Saint Paul. MSE and the Minnesota Wild Foundation support pediatric medical causes and contribute significantly to Minnesota Hockey. The organization is dedicated to creating a greater state of hockey and fostering youth development across the state.
The partnership between Minnesota Sports & Entertainment and Grand Casino marks a pivotal moment for the Minnesota Wild and the broader Saint Paul community. The renaming of the Xcel Energy Center to Grand Casino Arena signifies more than just a change in name; it represents a deep commitment to enhancing the entertainment experience and investing in the region’s future. This collaboration promises to bring unforgettable moments to fans and visitors alike.
As Grand Casino Arena prepares to open its doors in September 2025, the anticipation is building for what this new chapter will bring. With state-of-the-art facilities and a dedication to sustainable practices, the arena is set to continue its legacy as a premier destination for sports and entertainment. The future looks bright for the Minnesota Wild and their fans.
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