St. Paul’s aging hockey arena hits a roadblock as Minnesota lawmakers reject renovation funding request.
The Xcel Energy Center, home to the Minnesota Wild, is nearly 25 years old and desperately needs major renovations. Local leaders say the arena was only designed to last 25 years, and it’s now reaching the end of its intended lifespan.
The Funding Battle
City officials and the Minnesota Wild have been asking for state money for years, but their requests keep changing:
- Started at $2 million a few years ago
- Grew to nearly $400 million at one point
- Recently settled on $50 million from the state
- The city and Wild would cover remaining costs
Why the Request Failed
Minnesota lawmakers had to make tough choices this year. They focused on critical infrastructure like roads and water systems instead of sports venues. The Xcel Energy Center renovation was competing against many other projects across the state.
What’s Next?
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and the Wild aren’t giving up. They released a statement saying they’ll keep working with lawmakers to get funding. The arena brings visitors from across the region and helps St. Paul’s economy.
The 25-year-old venue hosts hockey games, concerts, and other events that bring money to downtown St. Paul. Without renovations, the arena could struggle to compete with newer venues.
City leaders call it a “vital statewide asset” that needs modernizing to stay competitive and continue benefiting the regional economy.
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