Mon Jun 30 15:20:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Minnesota Wild’s Home Ice to be Renamed Grand Casino Arena in Landmark Deal**

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The home of the Minnesota Wild will have a new name come September 3, 2025, as Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (MSE) announced a 14-year naming rights partnership with Grand Casino, owned by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. The Xcel Energy Center, currently home to the Minnesota Wild and over 150 annual sporting and entertainment events, will be renamed 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 of MSE. “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.”

Ronda Weizenegger, CEO of Grand Casino, echoed this sentiment: “This is more than a name change – it’s a signal of where we’re headed as a business. Grand Casino Arena represents the strength of tribal enterprise, and our ongoing investment in Minnesota’s future.”

The multi-million dollar deal will see all exterior and interior signage replaced, including the center ice insignia, prior to the start of the 2025-26 NHL season. Grand Casino plans to leverage the partnership for fan engagement, digital activations, and in-arena experiences.

The announcement marks the end of a successful 25-year partnership with Xcel Energy, which will conclude after the current agreement expires. However, the Minnesota Wild announced a new multi-year partnership with Xcel Energy on April 15, 2025, to continue to be a major community and business partner of the team.

Since opening in 2000, the 17,954-seat arena has hosted over 33.5 million fans for events ranging from Minnesota Wild games and concerts by music legends to major sporting events like the NCAA Men’s Frozen Four and the Republican National Convention. The arena is also a recognized leader in sustainability.

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