Xcel Energy Center Renovation Plan Scaled Back

St. Paul city officials and the Minnesota Wild have scaled back their renovation plans for the 25-year-old Xcel Energy Center, cutting the overall budget from $769 million to $488 million and reducing their state funding request to $50 million. The revised proposal postpones renovations to the adjacent Roy Wilkins Auditorium and RiverCentre due to state budget constraints and muted legislative response. The city and local partners will provide $200 million, while the Wild will contribute $238 million and cover any cost overruns. Planned upgrades include expanding the north wall for enhanced security, updating restroom plumbing, improving ADA accessibility, and reducing corridor congestion. City leaders emphasize the project's importance for downtown revitalization and job creation, though legislative approval remains uncertain. The arena is also expected to receive a new name as its naming rights agreement expires this summer.