Xcel Arena Complex Renovation

This is What Transformation Looks Like

This is a generational opportunity to go all in on revitalization by transforming Downtown Saint Paul into a more dynamic entertainment district anchored by a renovated Arena Complex—comprised of the Xcel Energy Center arena, Saint Paul RiverCentre, and Roy Wilkins Auditorium.

The proposed renovation project is the cornerstone of a safer, more energized Saint Paul, attracting more visitors, more activity, and more vitality. The project also boosts efforts to grow tourism, support the city’s all-in public safety framework, and bring more residents to live in the downtown core.

A renovated Arena Complex is a catalyst for Saint Paul’s growth, fueling momentum and unlocking new opportunities for entertainment, restaurants, retail, housing, hotels, and more.

Project Information Sheet

From Vision to Reality

The Xcel Energy Center, which opened in 2000, is in its 25th year of its intended 25-year lifespan, and the Saint Paul RiverCentre, which opened in 1998, and 93-year-old Roy Wilkins Auditorium require significant renovations to facilities.

Renovations to the city-owned Arena Complex are estimated to cost $769 million. To bring this vision to reality, the city is asking the state to fund half of the cost, with Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold funding 30%, and the city and local partners providing the remaining funds. Ramsey County continues to explore its partnership investment in the proposed Arena Complex renovation.

Proposed Funding Breakdown:

State of Minnesota – $394.6 million (50%)
Minnesota Wild – $215.8 million (30%)
Saint Paul and Local Partners – $158.8 million (20%)

Funding breakdown for the proposed Xcel Arena Complex renovation

Saint Paul

DID YOU KNOW?

· Xcel Energy Center's last upgrade was in 2014 when arena seats were replaced with new cushioned seating.

· Roy Wilkins Auditorium was built in 1932, renovated in 1984, and last underwent upgrades in 2005.

· Saint Paul RiverCentre opened in 1998 and requires facility upgrades to remain accessible and competitive.

· 85% of Minnesotans in a recent poll agree that updating the Xcel Energy Center is important to Saint Paul’s revitalization.

· A renovated Arena Complex is projected to boost downtown spending to an estimated $493 million and create approximately 2,300 union construction jobs.

Reinvesting in the Economic Engine of Saint Paul

The Arena Complex stands as the most prolific driver of economic activity in the Capital City—no single business or entity attracts more people to Downtown Saint Paul. Each year, the Arena Complex serves over 2.1 million visitors and contributes $383 million in spending for the City of Saint Paul.

The Xcel Energy Center was constructed in 2000 at a cost of $173 million, with 30% of funding contributed by public sources and the remaining 70% invested by the Minnesota Wild. It needs critical reinvestment to improve accessibility, enhance visitor and vendor experience, and upgrade infrastructure, technological, space needs.

It is home to the Minnesota Wild and Minnesota Frost professional hockey teams, and the Minnesota Roller Derby league. The Arena Complex also hosts a wide variety of cultural, educational, and athletic events such as the annual weekend-long Hmong New Year celebration, high school graduations, major national and international concert tours and performances, conventions and trade shows, Minnesota State High School League tournaments, and more.

Economic Rejuvenation Opportunity

The Arena Complex currently generates an annual $383 million in local spending across lodging, meals, transportation, and other goods and services.
The proposed renovation is estimated to boost annual spending to $493 million.
The project is estimated to create approximately 2,300 union construction jobs.
When complete, the complex will employ more than 5,000 people in Saint Paul.

Rendering of a renovated Xcel Energy Center Arena at night

Downtown Transformation

Boosts momentum for the city's bold Downtown Revitalization framework, which lays out a vision for creating a reinvigorated downtown core.
Enhances the city's Community-First Public Safety framework by creating a safer, more active, vibrant, and walkable district.
Estimated to produce a $110 million annual increase in economic activity in Saint Paul.
Reinvestment in the urban core is essential to countering downtown trends nationwide.
Strengthens capacity to attract and host more events, further spotlighting Saint Paul as a premier destination and adding to the tax base.

More Than Just Hockey

Regional and Statewide Asset

Recent News

A construction worker does maintenance work on a stadium

Minnesota pro sports teams face vast stadium, ballpark and arena needs

2/7/2025 | Star Tribune

The Wild, St. Paul and Ramsey County will ask the state to cover half the Xcel renovations, with the remaining costs split among themselves, a city spokesperson said. League and local officials have not revealed the dollar figure they’re seeking, but they previously said the project will cost about $300 million.

Wild insider: Bettman pushes for public funding of Xcel Energy Center renovations

1/28/2025 | New York Times

Xcel Energy Center is also the heartbeat of St. Paul nightlife, so an arena renovation could trigger redevelopment around the arena and revitalize downtown with the possible addition of a hotel, residential areas, retail and restaurants. Bettman weighed in Thursday, making it clear that he thinks the Wild deserve public money because of what they and the arena do for downtown St. Paul, the surrounding community and the state.

View of the inside of the Xcel Energy Center

Minnesota Wild owner pledges $250 million for arena renovations, but that won't be enough

10/2/2024 | Axios

The Minnesota Wild plan to spend up to $250 million for facility upgrades in and around Xcel Energy Center — but the team's owner confirmed the whole project would likely cost "a lot more" than that. Craig Leipold hopes to convince the Minnesota Legislature to contribute taxpayer dollars to a renovation of his team's 24-year-old arena and surrounding the complex.

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