Arena where Minnesota Wild play games to be rebranded as Grand Casino Arena, attributable to Mille Lacs Band.
In a groundbreaking move, the Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (MSE) and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe have entered into a 14-year partnership that will see the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul rebranded as the Grand Casino Arena. This change is set to take place on September 3, 2025.
Industry news expert, Grant Mitchell, reported the details of this historic partnership. According to Mitchell, this move is more than just a marketing decision; it represents the Mille Lacs Band’s resilience, sovereignty, and innovation by placing their story in front of millions.
The partnership is expected to generate long-term value for the Band’s communities and enterprises and open new business opportunities. For 25 years, Xcel Energy has held the naming rights to the stadium, but this new deal marks a significant shift.
Grant Mitchell, a veteran in the industry, has covered legislative news, financial updates, and general industry trends. His extensive experience includes the gambling industry, making him well-equipped to report on this unique partnership between MSE and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
The Mille Lacs Band is aiming to increase its advertising reach with this new deal. The arena, formerly known as Xcel Energy Center, is a popular venue for concerts, sports events, and other entertainment, offering the Band a platform to showcase its story to a wide audience.
Grant Mitchell, a former long-distance runner, knows a thing or two about persistence. His consistent dedication to holding himself to a high standard and his unwavering commitment to factual accuracy make him a reliable source for news in the industry.
In summary, the venue's name changes from Xcel Energy Center to Grand Casino Arena, marking a 14-year naming rights partnership between MSE (operator of the arena) and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. This partnership reflects the Band’s leadership and investment vision. The announcement was made in July 2025, with the renaming effective September 3, 2025.
The Mille Lacs Band plans to leverage the Grand Casino Arena, previously known as Xcel Energy Center, for sports betting, online casino, and roulette, as the venue is a popular spot for a wide variety of events. With this partnership, Grant Mitchell predicts that the Mille Lacs Band's financial standing within the sports industry could significantly improve.
Connecting with millions of spectators attending events at the newly named Grand Casino Arena in Las Vegas-style venues, the Mille Lacs Band aims to broadcast its commitment to innovation and sovereignty. The partnership is expected to bring new business opportunities to the Band's enterprises and communities.
As a seasoned expert in finance, legislative news, and industry trends, Grant Mitchell emphasizes that this partnership between MSE and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe signifies a remarkable moment in the sports betting and online casino industry. Observers will be watching closely to see how the Band's strategic moves impact the Vegas-style gambling landscape.
