Exciting Partnership: Grand Casino Secures Arena Naming Rights with Minnesota Sports & Entertainment for the Minnesota Wild!

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Exciting news for sports fans! Starting September 3, 2025, the Xcel Energy Center will become the Grand Casino Arena. This new name comes from a 14-year partnership between Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (MSE) and Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley, both owned by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.

Craig Leipold, a key figure in MSE, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing its role in bolstering downtown Saint Paul. He highlighted the importance of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, saying they have consistently supported the city.

Ronda Weizenegger, CEO of Grand Casino, also shared her excitement. She noted that this partnership reflects the strength of tribal businesses and their investment in Minnesota’s future. Jeff LaFrance, the marketing head for Grand Casino, added that this partnership will create memorable experiences for fans through innovative marketing strategies at the arena.

With this change, all signs within and outside the arena will be updated to reflect the new name, including the prominent center ice logo. Fans can expect to see these updates in time for the 2025-26 NHL season.

This naming rights deal follows a fruitful 25-year partnership with Xcel Energy, which wraps up this year. The Minnesota Wild, based at this venue, has been a significant part of the community, drawing over 1.7 million visitors each year for a variety of events, including hockey games, concerts, and more.

To give more context, the Xcel Energy Center opened its doors in 2000. It has hosted a range of memorable events, from major concerts featuring artists like Madonna and Prince, to significant sporting events like the Super Bowl LII media day. This venue is known for its commitment to sustainability and is one of the few in the world certified in multiple green initiatives.

Last year, a survey showed that 78% of fans feel a connection to their local sports teams, highlighting the importance of venues like this in community building. As trends shift towards valuing local partnerships and sustainability, this new name might resonate even more with fans looking for community support.

The partnership also signals a broader trend where local brands align with sports teams to create memorable experiences. Such collaborations not only enhance fan engagement but also strengthen the cultural ties between businesses and local communities.

As this partnership unfolds, it promises to reshape the landscape of sports entertainment in Saint Paul, bridging the gap between tribes and the wider community.

Learn more about the Grand Casino at grandcasinomn.com and about the Minnesota Wild at wild.com.

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