US EditionXcel Energy Center Complex renovation reduced to prioritize Wild arena
- On May 1, 2025, city officials in St. Paul together with the Minnesota Wild announced a scaled-back $488 million renovation plan focused on upgrading the Xcel Energy Center arena in downtown St. Paul.
- The revision follows concerns about the state budget surplus and narrows the scope by pausing improvements to the adjoining RiverCentre and Roy Wilkins Auditorium.
- Opened in 2000, the arena attracts over 2.1 million visitors each year and generates $383 million in local economic activity, though it is approaching the end of its operational lifespan.
- The funding for the project includes $200 million contributed by the city and its local collaborators, $238 million from the Minnesota Wild , and $50 million from the state allocated for improvements in access, security, and infrastructure.
- The scaled-back renovation aims to create a modern, best-in-class facility and sustain the arena's central role in revitalizing St. Paul's entertainment district amid financial constraints.
21 Articles
21 Articles
City, others celebrate groundbreaking for arena project - Albert Lea Tribune
City staff and representatives from various groups who use the city’s ice arena celebrated the start of construction on the arena on Thursday in a groundbreaking ceremony. The $1.26 million arena remodeling project is part of an overall nearly $10 million referendum approved by 75.5% of voters in 2024 for upgrades to Albert Lea’s recreational facilities, including the arena, city pool and Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. Restrooms are also b…
Pine Journal
St. Paul, Minnesota Wild trim Xcel Center’s state request from $400M to $50M
ST. PAUL — Against concerns from state lawmakers about the dwindling state budget surplus, the City of St. Paul and the Minnesota Wild have retooled their planned renovation of the downtown Xcel Energy Center, chopping millions off the total price tag and their nine-figure legislative request. The proposed $769 million makeover of the Xcel Energy Center has been slimmed down to a $488 million upgrade, freezing improvements to the adjoining River…
Xcel Energy Center Complex renovation reduced to prioritize Wild arena
Officials have since narrowed down their funding pitch to lawmakers to drop renovations at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium and RiverCentre in St. Paul, instead focusing on just the Xcel Energy Center.
Wild, St. Paul scale back request for public money toward entertainment complex rehab
With hopes dim for a large-scale funding request, St. Paul city leaders and the Minnesota Wild are trimming their request for renovation money that includes a $50 million state share. They say part of the project can wait.
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