The former Xcel Energy Center, home of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild, PWHL’s Minnesota Frost, and more than 150 sporting and entertainment events annually in downtown St. Paul, is now Grand Casino Arena. Minnesota Sports & Entertainment, the arena’s operator, and Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley, owned by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, agreed to a 14-year naming rights partnership that began on Sept. 3.
“Grand Casino Arena serves as the anchor of a dynamic entertainment district that transforms downtown St. Paul,” says Craig Leipold, majority owner and principal investor in Minnesota Sports & Entertainment. “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, says, “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. We’re proud to partner with the Minnesota Wild to bring this vision to life. I also would like to thank Ted Johnson of Norden Strategies for his instrumental role in making this moment possible.”
Jeff LaFrance, head of marketing strategy for Grand Casino, adds, “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 St. Paul. From digital activations to in-arena surprises, we’re building something unforgettable.”
The Minnesota Wild announced a new multiyear partnership with Xcel Energy on April 15, and the company remains a major community and business partner of the team. The arena naming rights agreement with Xcel Energy concluded after a successful 25-year partnership.
