Minneapolis? Eagan? Bloomington? Wild arena funding fight raises relocation questions

The 25-year-old arena formerly known as the Xcel Energy Center has been renamed Grand Casino Arena — but how long before the venue is renovated, and is there a realistic scenario where the Minnesota Wild move out of St. Paul if those plans aren’t approved in Minnesota’s capital city?

NHL insider Michael Russo says the Wild were "disappointed but not discouraged" when state lawmakers denied a proposal to use state funds to help pay for $488 million renovation of the arena, which hasn't had any major facelifts since opening in 2000.

"The Wild were disappointed but not discouraged, they say, and their plan is to wait for the next legislative session in January to make another pitch," Russo wrote in a Q&A for The Athletic (subscription required). 

However, Russo's next line in the Q&A would represent a worst-case scenario for hockey fans who want to see the Wild remain in St. Paul for the duration of their existence.

"At some point, this will come to a head, and if new Timberwolves owners Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore build an arena in Minneapolis, yes, the Wild could theoretically become a future tenant. Nobody wants it to get to that point, especially considering this arena is so integral to the health of St. Paul," Russo wrote. 

Charley Walters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported in his July 5 column that "favored sites" for a new Timberwolves arena are in Eagan "as part of the Vikings complex," and in Bloomington adjacent to the southeast side of Mall of America.

Walters got a comment from Mayor Carter, who told him the city is "definitely concerned" about the possibility of the Wild relocating outside of St. Paul, though Carter said he doesn't consider it "an acute threat right now."