Wild announce new name for arena formerly known as Xcel Energy Center

The partnership was announced by Minnesota Sports & Entertainment in conjunction with Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley, owned by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, per the Wild's release. OVG Global Partnerships and Norden Strategies aided in the process of securing the partnership.

Xcel Energy held the naming rights to the building for the previous 25 years. The Wild recently announced a new multi-year partnership with the local energy company, just without naming rights.

Prior to the 2025-26 NHL season, "all exterior and interior signage will be replaced to identify Grand Casino Arena, including the center ice insignia."

"Grand Casino Arena will serve as the anchor of a dynamic entertainment district that transforms downtown Saint Paul," said Wild majority owner Craig Leopold in the team's release. "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."

"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 Saint Paul," said Grand Casino head of marketing Jeff LaFrance. "From digital activations to in-arena surprises, we’re building something unforgettable."

In addition to hosting 41-plus Wild home games per season, Grand Casino Arena will continue to be the site of numerous other events, including concerts, Minnesota Frost (PWHL) games, and the high school hockey state tournament. The venue opened as Xcel Energy Center in September 2000 and seats close to 18,000 people.