St. Paul, Wild pitch Xcel Energy Center makeover
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A concept of a renovation to Xcel Energy Center at the corner of West 7th Street & Kellogg Boulevard in downtown St. Paul. All renderings by Populous, courtesy of the City of St. Paul
New concept drawings show a publicly-financed renovation of the Xcel Energy Center complex that could add rooftop patios to the arena and spruce up the neighboring Roy Wilkins Auditorium.
Why it matters: St. Paul and the Minnesota Wild are trying to convince the state to pick up half of a projected $769 million tab for upgrades to the 24-year-old arena and the RiverCentre convention hall next door.
- That total also would require $216 million from the team and nearly $159 million in funding from the city and Ramsey County.
What they're saying: "A renovated arena complex will breathe new life into our city, building on our efforts to attract more world-class events and opportunities for economic growth," Mayor Melvin Carter said in a news release.
The big picture: After a long lull, Minnesota's stadium politics are about to heat up again.
- While Wild owner Craig Leipold is committed to St. Paul, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman told the Athletic in January that Leipold has "options" for moving the team into an upgraded venue — likely in Minneapolis or the suburbs.
Between the lines: One of those options could be a new, privately-financed arena that the Timberwolves' incoming owners have pitched.
Reality check: Key lawmakers, including Senate Capital Investment Committee Chair Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul), have said the cash-strapped state doesn't have money available to chip in for the Xcel Energy Center project.
What's inside: While the city and team's pitch doesn't mention specific amenities a renovation might include, Carter has spoken of his desire for features that make the "X" a destination on days it's not hosting an event.
- Other dining and entertainment destinations have sprouted up around new arenas, like Milwaukee's Deer District and Kansas City's Power and Light District.
- The arena also needs behind-the-scenes upgrades, Leipold told reporters in October: "Either we continue to put Band-Aids on things, or we do the whole project."
Here are the concept drawings the city and team released:
