Major Renovation Planned for St. Paul’s Xcel Energy Center

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Xcel Energy Center, home to the Minnesota Wild, is set to undergo a significant renovation, with officials from both the arena and the city requesting at least half of the $769 million project be financed by the state.

The ambitious plan includes $150 million earmarked for Roy Wilkins Auditorium and another $50 million for the RiverCentre convention facility. City officials are looking for approximately $384 million from state funds to cover their share.

The Xcel Energy Center, a 25-year-old arena with an 18,000-seat capacity, would absorb a substantial portion of this funding — around $569 million, or nearly 74% of the total. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild franchise is expected to contribute about 30% of the renovation costs, translating to $230 million. St. Paul and Ramsey County will split the remaining 20%, approximately $153 million.

Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter are slated to present the proposal on Thursday to the House Capital Investment Committee at the Minnesota Legislature.

In anticipation of the presentation, Mayor Carter expressed strong support for the project. “A renovated Arena Complex will breathe new life into our city, building on our efforts to attract more world-class events and opportunities for economic growth,” Carter said in a statement. “This project will create jobs, bring more people downtown, and strengthen our standing as a premier destination to live, work, recreate, and do business.”

City officials noted a stark contrast in funding received by Minneapolis compared to St. Paul. Since the Xcel Energy Center was constructed, Minneapolis has secured about $991 million in public funding for various athletic complexes, whereas St. Paul has only received $63 million for constructing CHS Field, home of the St. Paul Saints, which opened in 2015.