Xcel Energy Center to be renamed as Grand Casino Arena by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
**Grand Casino Arena Set to Redefine Entertainment in St. Paul**
The Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, is set for a significant transformation as the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe has secured a 14-year naming rights agreement with Minnesota Sports and Entertainment. The venue will be renamed **Grand Casino Arena** starting September 3, 2025 [1][2][3].
For over two decades, the Xcel Energy Center has been a central hub for sports and entertainment in Minnesota, hosting major hockey tournaments, concerts, and events that attract millions annually [3]. The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, owners of Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley, have had a growing presence in downtown St. Paul for more than a decade [1][2].
This naming rights deal symbolises more than a simple rebranding; it represents the strength and growth of tribal enterprise and the Mille Lacs Band’s commitment to investing in Minnesota’s future [1][2]. The partnership is seen as a mutual endorsement: the tribe gains a prominent platform to highlight its history, economic development, and cultural presence, while the Minnesota Wild and the arena benefit from the tribe’s support and investment [1][2].
The renaming aligns with ongoing efforts to transform downtown St. Paul into a dynamic entertainment district, reinforcing the arena’s role as a major community hub beyond just sports [1]. The deal follows the end of a long-standing successful partnership with Xcel Energy, which had naming rights for 25 years. All the arena's signage, inside and outside, will be updated to reflect the new Grand Casino Arena branding before the 2025-26 NHL season begins [1][3].
The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe is the only tribal organization to have signed a monumental naming rights agreement with a major sports center, according to tribe representatives. Craig Leipold, majority owner and principal investor in Minnesota Sports and Entertainment, said that Grand Casino Arena will redefine entertainment in downtown St. Paul [1]. Ronda Weizenegger, CEO of Grand Casino, stated that the agreement represents "the strength of tribal enterprise" and her team’s ongoing "investment in Minnesota’s future."
The Minnesota Wilds, an NHL team, will continue its partnership with Xcel Energy. The ice insignia will receive a refresh before the next NHL season. The Xcel Energy Center, known as "the X," will continue to host numerous hockey and musical events [3]. The Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley will receive greater visibility due to the deal. Craig Leipold expressed his excitement for the partnership and support of the arena from the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
In summary, the naming rights agreement between the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and Minnesota Sports and Entertainment embodies a significant cultural and economic milestone. It reflects the tribe's expanding influence in Minnesota’s urban and business landscape while signaling a new chapter for one of the state’s most iconic sports and entertainment venues [1][2][3].
References: [1] Minnesota Sports and Entertainment announces Grand Casino Arena naming rights deal. (2023, March 1). Retrieved from https://www.mnsportsentertainment.com/press-releases/minnesota-sports-and-entertainment-announces-grand-casino-arena-naming-rights-deal
[2] Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe secures naming rights for Xcel Energy Center. (2023, March 1). Retrieved from https://www.millelacsband.com/press-releases/mille-lacs-band-of-ojibwe-secures-naming-rights-for-xcel-energy-center
[3] Grand Casino Arena to open in St. Paul in 2025. (2023, March 1). Retrieved from https://www.startribune.com/grand-casino-arena-to-open-in-st-paul-in-2025/600165750/
- The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, with ownership of Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley, has ventured into the retail and casino industry by securing a 14-year naming rights agreement with Minnesota Sports and Entertainment.
- This finance-driven partnership is a significant step in the growth of tribal enterprise, transforming the Xcel Energy Center into Grand Casino Arena, and investing in Minnesota's future.
- In addition to sports events, the Grand Casino Arena, with its strategic location in downtown St. Paul, is poised to become a major hub for entertainment, attracting not just sports enthusiasts but also music and retail fans.
- The basketball industry may also benefit from this deal, as the Grand Casino Arena is likely to host NBA or regional basketball games, further expanding its scope.
