St. Paul city officials are requesting $2 million in public funding from the state legislature for planning and pre-design of a major renovation of the Xcel Energy Center in downtown St. Paul.
The total project cost is estimated at over $300 million, nearly double the original $150 million construction cost of the arena when it opened in 2000.
Mayor Melvin Carter’s office, along with Visit St. Paul and the Minnesota Wild organization which operates the venue, say extensive upgrades are needed to amenities, concourses, restaurants, bathrooms and more.
They argue the arena complex plays a vital economic role for St. Paul and Minnesota, hosting over 130 event nights per year. Officials say they need more time to finalize renovation plans before seeking full funding.
The request comes as the legislature considers a $982 million infrastructure bill from Governor Tim Walz that does not include arena funding.
Lawmakers face over $7 billion in requests for a historically tight bonding bill this session.