Minnesota Wild and St. Paul Mayor Unveil $600 Million Arena Renovation Plan

Courtesy of the Grand Casino Arena

In a significant move to enhance the cultural and economic landscape of St. Paul, the Minnesota Wild and St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her have announced a comprehensive $600 million renovation plan for the Grand Casino Arena and surrounding venues. This ambitious project aims to modernize facilities used by the NHL’s Wild, the Frost of the PWHL and other events, ensuring that they remain competitive and attractive for future performances and gatherings.

Financial Framework

Of the total investment, $400 million is earmarked for upgrading the Grand Casino Arena, while $150 million will be allocated to the adjacent RiverCentre and Roy Wilkins Auditorium. Where there are many events including the play of the Minnesota Roller Derby, a skater-owned, flat-track roller derby team based in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Established in 2004 by the Donnelly sisters under the name Minnesota RollerGirls, the league is a founding member of the Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby Association (WFTDA). Minnesota was not only one of the first teams to hold a public game but also the first to secure a home in a professional venue.

Funding for this extensive renovation will combine contributions from both the city and the Wild, with each party committing $162.5 million to the Grand Casino Arena. The city's portion will come from an extension of an existing half-cent sales tax, providing a sustainable revenue source for the project.

In addition to local funding, there is a proactive approach to securing $200 million from the Minnesota Legislature, aimed at bolstering the financial foundation of the project. This request includes $125 million for the arena itself and another $75 million to enhance the other two venues.

Courtesy of the St. Paul River Center

Economic Significance

Mayor Her emphasized the critical economic role played by the Grand Casino Arena, calling it an "economic engine" for the city. With an impressive $383 million generated annually in economic activity, the arena serves as a vital hub for entertainment and commerce. The renovations are not merely cosmetic; they are intended to upgrade infrastructure, enhance safety provisions, and improve amenities for both sports teams and touring artists.

Focus on Sustainability & Community Benefit

Both Mayor Her and Wild owner Craig Leipold have expressed a commitment to being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. The framework of the project aims to ensure that the facilities remain competitive, attracting a broader array of performances, cultural events, and sports activities. "Grand Casino Arena is one of the largest city-owned assets, and we are responsible for making sure it continues to anchor our downtown and economy," Her stated, highlighting the long-term benefits that the renovations are expected to bring.

Lepold noted that the renovations will largely occur "behind the walls," meaning that there will be minimal disruption to events, and the arena will remain operational throughout the construction process. "We will not lose a hockey game in this building because of the renovation," he assured fans and stakeholders.

Reevaluation of Prior Plans

The current renovation initiative follows the city and team’s previous attempts to launch a more extensive $770 million renovation project, which aimed to secure $394 million in state funding. This previous proposal was ultimately revised down to $488 million, focusing primarily on the Grand Casino Arena. The current proposal reflects a more economically downsized approach that still holds significant promise.

Naming Rights and Transition

The project also comes amid a shift in branding at the venue. The naming rights, previously held by Xcel Energy, recently transitioned to Grand Casino, marking a new chapter for the arena. The Grand Casino's new branding was further underscored when the "X" from the former sign sold for $21,200 at auction.

The announced renovations to the Grand Casino Arena, RiverCentre, and Roy Wilkins Auditorium represent a pivotal development for St. Paul. With a combined vision from city leaders and the Minnesota Wild, the plan aims not only to improve the venue's quality but also to boost economic activity.