City, Wild Ask State Legislature for $400 Million to Upgrade Xcel Center
The City of St. Paul and the Minnesota Wild announced last week their top priority for the 2025 legislative session is funding a major renovation of the Xcel Energy Center Arena Complex.
Renovations to the city-owned Arena Complex, which include the Xcel Center, RiverCentre and Roy Wilkins Auditorium, are estimated to cost $769 million. The city is asking the state to fund half of the cost, approximately $394.6 million, with Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold funding $215.8 million (30%), and the city and local partners providing the remaining $158.8 million (20%). Ramsey County continues to explore its partnership investment in the proposed Arena Complex renovation.
City leaders and the Wild say that the Xcel Center is in its 25th year of it’s intended 25-year lifespan and is in need of substantial upgrades. Additionally, they say the RiverCentre and Roy Wilkins Auditorium require significant upgrades to infrastructure and equipment.
The Arena Complex generates over $383 million in revenue and attracts over 2 million visitors each year. According to an economic impact study conducted by the Wild, a renovated Arena Complex is anticipated to boost annual local spending by $110 million, create approximately 2,300 union construction jobs, and, when complete, will employ more than 5,000 people in St. Paul.
If state funding is approved, construction on the multi-phase renovation project could begin as early as 2026. For more information, visit stpaul.gov/arena.
