Minnesota’s Iconic Hockey Arena Enters New Era as Grand Casino Arena
ST. PAUL, MN—For 25 years, Minnesota hockey fans cheered goals and groaned at penalties inside the Xcel Energy Center, affectionately dubbed “The X.” But this September, the arena’s gleaming exterior signs will be replaced with a new identity: the Grand Casino Arena, marking the end of an era and a bold tribal economic milestone.
The Deal: Tribal Enterprise Meets NHL Legacy
The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe secured a 14-year naming rights partnership with Minnesota Sports & Entertainment, the Wild’s parent organization. The deal, facilitated by Oak View Group, begins September 3, 2025. Xcel Energy’s 25-year contract expired this summer, though the utility remains a team sponsor focused on youth hockey initiatives.
Wild CEO Matt Majka emphasized the local connection: “Grand Casino has been part of our community for decades. We’re thrilled to partner with them as we reimagine downtown St. Paul”.
For the tribe, the move signals a strategic expansion beyond gaming. Grand Casino CEO Ronda Weizenegger noted, “This isn’t just a name change—it’s about tribal enterprise strength and investing in Minnesota’s future”. The arena will anchor a planned entertainment district with restaurants, retail, and a potential 650-room hotel.
Timeline of Transformation
- September 3, 2025: Official name change and website launch.
- September 6: First event—a Jason Aldean concert.
- October 2025: Full signage updates (exterior, interior, and center ice) before the Wild’s home opener
The transition coincides with the Wild’s 25th anniversary season and a proposed $488 million arena renovation, pending state funding.
Mixed Reactions: Nostalgia vs. Progress
Longtime fans voiced heartache on social media. “Ruins the nostalgia,” one tweeted, while others vowed to keep calling it “The X.” Yet many compared the shift to past rebrands like TCF Bank Stadium’s conversion to Huntington Bank Stadium, predicting gradual acceptance.
Critics raised concerns about gambling associations, though supporters highlighted the tribe’s community investments. The Mille Lacs Band operates two casinos and has diversified into hotels, cannabis, and renewable energy.
Beyond Hockey: A Catalyst for Downtown
The renaming aligns with St. Paul’s push to revitalize its core. Team owner Craig Leipold called the arena “the anchor of a dynamic entertainment district,” noting the tribe’s longstanding commitment to the city.
Tribal leaders plan “digital activations and in-arena experiences” to blend cultural elements with hockey traditions, though details remain under wraps.
egacy of “The X”: By the Numbers
- Hosted 33.5+ million guests since 2000.
- Landmark events: 2008 RNC, NCAA Frozen Four, Taylor Swift concerts, and Minnesota’s legendary high school hockey tournaments.
Xcel Energy will continue funding youth hockey via equipment grants and rink upgrades—a nod to the arena’s community roots.
The Grand Casino Arena era begins amid broader changes in sports venue branding. Hard Rock recently rebranded The Mirage in Las Vegas 10, and Macao’s Cotai Arena became the Venetian Arena. For Minnesota, this shift represents more than corporate signage—it’s a testament to tribal resilience and urban ambition.
As Majka told The Athletic: “Change is hard, but it’s also exciting. This partnership writes our next chapter”