The Minnesota Wild, of North American ice hockey’s NHL, have announced their home stadium will be renamed Grand Casino Arena from September after securing a new naming rights partner ahead of the 2025-26 regular season.
The new 14-year deal was struck between arena operators Minnesota Sports and Entertainment (MSE) and Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Hinckley, which is owned by the regional American Indian tribal government, the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
The deal was brokered by Oak View Group, the sports and entertainment facilities management firm.
MSE has said all exterior and interior signage will be replaced with new ‘Grand Casino Arena’ branding before the start of the 2025-26 NHL regular campaign in October.
Ronda Weizenegger, chief executive of Grand Casino, has said: “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.”
The new deal comes as the team’s contract with Xcel Energy expires after 25 years, with the utility provider having held naming rights since the building opened in 2000.
The deal between Xcel Energy and MSE was worth $3 million annually.
Xcel Energy will remain a commercial partner of the Wild, however, after striking an agreement in April for the company to remain a major community and business sponsor.
The 18,000-seat arena in downtown Saint Paul is home to the Minnesota Wild and the Minnesota Frost, of the Professional Women’s Hockey League. The teams have a lease agreement with the City of Saint Paul to continue playing at the arena through 2035 as part of a deal renewal struck in 2019.
Along with regular ice hockey games, the arena has hosted four NCAA Men’s Frozen Four events, two US figure skating championships, and two US gymnastics championships.
Craig Leipold, majority owner and principal investor in MSE, said: “Grand Casino Arena will serve as the anchor of a dynamic entertainment district that transforms downtown Saint Paul.
“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."
The deal also comes while the Minnesota Wild and the City of Saint Paul are lobbying the Minnesota Legislature to help fund a $488 million renovation of the complex.
The Wild have agreed to supply $238.8 million plus cost overruns, while the City of Saint Paul will contribute $200 million to the project. They are now requesting that the state provide $50 million towards the renovations.
