MINNESOTA WILD’S ARENA GETS A NEW NAME & A BOLD NEW CHAPTER WITH GRAND CASINO AND THE MILLE LACS BAND

By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor

Darkness swallowed the arena in a velvet blackness that made every heartbeat feel louder. Guests entered, anticipation buzzing in the air, eyes drawn to the center ice shrouded in mystery. A lone spotlight pierced the void, highlighting the hidden logo as silence held the crowd captive. Then, slowly, deliberately, the cover was lifted as a voice thundered through the arena: "The new Grand Casino era starts now!"

The iconic goal horn roared in response, shattering the silence, while spotlights spun wildly, painting the darkness with streaks of energy. The crowd erupted. Every light, every sound, every pulse screamed the same thing. It was loud. It was powerful. It was Wild.

Key stakeholders and invited guests gathered at a grand celebration on September 3, 2025, to debut the center ice logo and new signage at the newly named Grand Casino Arena to share the rich traditions of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, the Grand Casino Arena, and the Minnesota Wild Sports and Entertainment, and shared vision of the future of St. Paul.

"This is a big day. This really is a big day!" said Craig Leipold, Chief Majority Owner of the Minnesota Wild Sports and Entertainment, spoke before the unveiling. "Starting today, we are proud to officially call home to the Minnesota Wild and over 150 sporting and entertainments events annually, we will call home Grand Casino Arena."

The Wild is committed to the arena restoration project to create a modern, best-in-class arena that will welcome more visitors, activity, and vitality to St. Paul. This partnership with Grand Casino brings us one step closer to our vision," Leipold said.

The Mille Lacs Band has been a passionate supporter and investor in St. Paul with a diversified business structure in the hospitality industry. This partnership adds a new shared commitment to creating great memories for everyone in the state of hockey. "Over 34 million fans have attended events in our arena," Leipold said. "This is a landmark partnership between two world-class entertainment brands. The future of St. Paul is bright."

Mille Lacs Band Chief Executive Virgil Wind acknowledged tribal leaders District | Representative Carolyn Beaulieu and District I| Representative Wendy Merrill who were in attendance, and District Ill Representative Harry Davis (not in attendance) and thanked "all my relatives" in celebration of the milestone event. "Today's announcement is more than a new name on a building — It's a bold step forward in how tribal nations are investing in our future," Chief Executive Wind said.

"For more than three decades, Grand Casino has helped sustain our government programs and services. Revenues from our businesses fund health care, housing, education, and cultural preservation for our people. This partnership with the Minnesota Wild represents a major milestone in strengthening that economic engine."

Chief Executive Wind emphasized that the partnership is not a government expenditure, but a business investment funded through corporate marketing, elevating the Mille Lacs Band brand, expanding visibility, and creating opportunity. "But beyond the business value, this is also a chance to tell our story. Inside this arena, visitors will learn about who we are: the Non-Removable Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. They will learn about our history. They will learn about our resilience. They will learn about our connection to this land."

Gifts were exchanged between the Minnesota Wild and the Mille Lacs Band. Leipold presented Chief Executive Wind with a Minnesota Wild jersey, and Chief Executive Wind along with Rep. Beaulieu and Rep. Merrill presented Leipold with a quilt.

When the arena was built 25 years ago, it was built with the idea it could be more than just a hockey arena, said GM and Vice President of Grand Casino Arena Kelly McGrath. "Don't get me wrong — the Wild will always be number one. But this space was meant to be more — a gathering place, a stage for unforgettable moments, and hub for entertainment that inspires and unites."

"The partnership is more than a name on a building," McGrath continued. "It is about our shared values and our shared vision. Grand Casino believes in world class entertainment, service excellence, and in giving back to the community. Those values are at the heart of what we strive to deliver every day."

Melvin Carter, Mayor of St. Paul, expressed pride in a city that not only "does more" but acknowledges it stands on tribal land and honors the dignity of every individual in every community. "Pushing forward into the future doesn't mean abandoning the past. I am excited about this partnership because it gives us the opportunity to do many things at once. It allows us to acknowledge and honor the history of our city and its people, while driving economic development and investment in our downtown."

Mayor Carter presented an official Proclamation that September 3, 2025, is Grand Casino Arena Day. "We are excited for the future that we are all building together in this space and beyond this space throughout our entire community," he said.

"This is a proud day for our people. And a powerful reminder that Native nations are not just surviving — we are thriving!" Chief Executive Wind said.