“Xcel Energy Center’s New Name Sparks Controversy Among University Students: What’s Next?”

As I’ve watched the landscape of sports venues in Minneapolis evolve over the years, one thing remains clear: the arenas we cherish become more than just places for sporting events; they embody our shared memories, successes, and sometimes, losses. This summer, the iconic Xcel Energy Center, a landmark for hockey fans, music lovers, and event-goers in the Twin Cities, is set to turn a new page. The Minnesota Wild and Frost, its proud residents, are preparing to say goodbye to their current moniker, thanks to the expiration of a cherished 25-year naming rights agreement with Xcel Energy.

Of course, this isn’t just a name change; it’s an emotional shift. It’s a reminder of the deepening partnerships and the evolving narratives that connect the teams with the community. Craig Leipold, who has steered the Wild since 2008, expressed genuine gratitude towards Xcel Energy for its steadfast support, which paints a picture of loyalty and collaboration beyond mere financials.

But what’s next? The speculation has already started a buzz, with whispers of potential suitors like Target, Best Buy, and even… Totino’s Pizza Rolls. Yes, you read that right, from skates to snack-time, the new name might very well reflect the fun, quirky spirit of Minnesotan culture. For fans and analysts alike, this change stirs a mix of excitement and nostalgia. Will the essence of the arena endure? My gut says yes, because at the heart of this, it’s still about the spirit of the game and the community that rallies around it. LEARN MORE

Xcel Energy Center, home of the Minnesota Wild and Frost, is getting a new name. 

The existing arena naming rights agreement with Xcel Energy will conclude this summer after a 25-year partnership, according to a press release. The company will remain a community and business partner of the Wild. 

Minnesota Wild owner since 2008 Craig Leipold said in a press release that he is thankful for their 25-year naming rights and partnership with Xcel Energy. 

“Xcel Energy has been an incredible supporter of our team since our inaugural season,” Leipold said. “We look forward to continuing to collaborate with them on a number of unique community initiatives as part of our new, long-term partnership.”

As part of the new partnership between Xcel Energy and the Wild, a “Community Power Play” will be launched to expand access to hockey for all. The program will provide grants to youth hockey organizations, invest in and improve local hockey facilities, provide financial assistance for athletes and help purchase equipment.

Xcel Energy President Bob Frenzel said in a statement that their new partnership with the Wild opens up a new chapter.

“This new chapter with the Wild extends our commitment to the region and will serve to expand access to the sport of hockey so that more young girls and boys across the state can access and more fully engage in this wonderful sport,” Frenzel said. 

University of Minnesota students have mixed feelings about the name change. 

Third-year student Neil Roy said stadium name changes are jarring. 

Being from New Orleans, Louisiana, Roy said he still has not gotten over the New Orleans Saints changing their stadium from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome to the Caesars Superdome. 

“It ruins the nostalgia aspect of it, in my opinion,” Roy said. 

Luke Wittner, a fourth-year student, said he grew up a Wild fan and finds the name change disappointing. 

Wittner said he thinks people will still continue to call the arena Xcel Energy, like how people continue to call X, Twitter. 

“I mean, it is just going to be disappointing that you hear the announcers call (the stadium) something else and walk by and have a new logo on there and say, ‘I remember when that was the Xcel Energy Center,’” Wittner said. 

Second-year student Elliott Pollard said the new name change will take some time to get used to but as time passes, people will adjust. The Golden Gopher Football arena, Huntington Bank Stadium, used to be called TCF Bank. 

Pollard said that few people continue to call it TCF Bank, so accepting a stadium name change is possible. 

“It depends on what, who gets naming rights,” Pollard said.  

Since a new name has yet to be announced, many people are speculating on what the next name will be for the Xcel Energy Center. 

Pollard mentioned the possibility of there being another Target-branded Minnesota sports center. 

“Target is such a huge company in this area but it would be a little confusing to have both a Target Center and a Target Arena,” Pollard said. “Both could be called either an arena or a center.” 

Pollard is not the only one thinking about the possible name change. The Minnesota Star Tribune reported on 10 possible suggestions for the Wild arena. 

Some of these suggestions included “Best Buy Arena,” “Old Dutch Arena,” “Hamms Center” and even the “Totino’s Pizza Rolls Arena.”  

Despite these speculations, the Wild expect to announce a new arena naming rights partner before the start of the 2025-26 NHL season.