The Minnesota Wild and city of St. Paul have been working for years to fund upgrades to the team’s home arena and surrounding venues. Now, they’ve got a plan to do it.
The Minnesota Wild and city of St. Paul have been working for years to fund upgrades to the team’s home arena and surrounding venues. Now, they’ve got a plan to do it.
On Tuesday morning, the team and Mayor Kaohly Her announced they’ve agreed to “a framework” of a deal that would fund renovations at the Grand Casino Arena complex but would require one-third of the money from the state.
In addition to serving as the home of the Minnesota Wild and Minnesota Frost, the arena hosts dozens of events throughout the year, including concerts, Monster Jam, and the high school hockey tournaments.
Funding details
Under the terms of the deal, $600 million would be poured into Grand Casino Arena, the RiverCentre and Roy Wilkins Auditorium. The parties will ask the Minnesota Legislature to provide $200 million of that, with the city and team each putting up $162.5 million and working together to fund the remaining $75 million.
Of those funds, Her and the Wild say $450 million would go toward Grand Casino Arena, with the remaining $150 million being split among the RiverCentre and Roy Wilkins Auditorium.
If approved, the Wild would also agree to cover any project overrun costs and would extend their lease at the arena.
History
Efforts to renovate the Wild’s home arena and have been ongoing for years.
In 2023, early estimates put renovation costs at $200-$300 million. However, when those stalled, the team and city narrowed their focus and lowered their state ask to $50 million.
However, last year, the sides worked on a new plan that asked for nearly $400 million from the state.
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State lawmakers have been hesitant to provide funding for the project, citing high tax rates in the capital city and the rest of the state. As negotiatons have dragged on, city leaders called renovating the arena a “top priority.”
The latest plan again lowers the amount of funding requested from the state, although it remains a significant piece of the puzzle. State lawmakers will again figure to play a pivotal role in whether or not the plan moves forward or the sides go back to the drawing board.
Reaction
Statement from St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her:
“Grand Casino Arena is one of the largest city-owned assets, and we are responsible for making sure it continues to anchor our downtown and economy. This agreement ensures our facilities remain competitive — attracting top performers, cultural events, and, of course, sports. Above all, I am committed to being a good steward of taxpayer dollars. This framework is the most sustainable path to finish this project while honoring that responsibility. I am grateful to Craig and the Minnesota Wild for their commitment to investing in our city and for being a key partner in revitalizing downtown Saint Paul. Now we will take this proposal to the legislature and ask for their support. I look forward to that conversation.”
Statement from Wild owner Craig Leipold:
“Grand Casino Arena has been home to the Minnesota Wild since 2000. This arena is one of the most important economic engines driving Saint Paul’s economy. It’s booked 150 nights a year with events and entertainment – more than any other venue in Minnesota. Like any 25-year-old building, it’s ready for an update and we’re ready to invest – in the fan and visitor experience, in the event space, in safety and accessibility. We are thrilled that Mayor Her shares our vision for creating an improved entertainment district in downtown St. Paul and is moving this project forward.”
The two are scheduled to further discuss the plan Tuesday morning at a press conference. Check back with 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS for the latest updates.
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