The Xcel Energy Center has faced setbacks in its efforts to secure funding for a significant remodel, receiving no support from state lawmakers for two consecutive years. According to a report by Frederick Melo in the St. Paul Pioneer Press, discussions between St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and Wild owner Craig Leipold have centered around a comprehensive renovation since the fall of 2023.
Efforts to obtain $2 million in planning and pre-design funds were unsuccessful last year, and a more ambitious funding request of approximately $395 million for state appropriations bonds this past March met with skepticism from key legislators. The remodel has been the city’s top legislative priority, but initial presentations lacked a formal bill sponsor and sufficient planning.
In a shift, Carter and Leipold presented a revised plan in early May, scaling back the project from an estimated $769 million to a more manageable $488 million. The adjusted funding request was also downsized, seeking $50 million in state bond funds instead of the previously proposed amount. Leipold emphasized the vision behind the remodel, aiming to create a “modern, best-in-class” facility that aligns with evolving sports fan preferences. The proposed updates would notably include an expansion of the north wall along Fifth Street.
This evolution in the proposal suggests that city leaders are committed to adapting their approach to align with legislative expectations, which could ultimately lead to the realization of the remodel. While challenges remain, there is hope that more focused and financially sensible plans will garner the necessary support moving forward.