THN's Ian Kennedy discusses the Minnesota Frost's 2025 PWHL Draft class and process The Minnesota Frost have won two Walter Cup titles in the first two seasons of the PWHL's existence playing at the Xcel Energy Center. While they'll play under the same roof next season, the Frost's home arena will be renamed to be known as the Grand Casino Arena in a 14-year agreement signed this week. “Grand Casino Arena will serve as the anchor of a dynamic entertainment district that transforms downtown Saint Paul,” said Craig Leipold, majority owner and principal investor in Minnesota Sports & Entertainment, [https://www.nhl.com/wild/news/minnesota-sports-entertainment-and-grand-casino-announce-arena-naming-rights-partnership-063025?=] who own the Xcel Energy Center, the NHL's Minnesota Wild, and operate two casinos. “The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe has been a strong supporter of and investor in this city. We are thrilled for their partnership and support of the arena.” “This is more than a name change - it’s a signal of where we’re headed as a business,” said Ronda Weizenegger, Chief Executive Officer of Grand Casino. “Grand Casino Arena represents the strength of tribal enterprise, and our ongoing investment in Minnesota’s future. We’re proud to partner with the Minnesota Wild to bring this vision to life. I’d also like to thank Ted Johnson of Norden Strategies for his instrumental role in making this moment possible.” “This partnership is a dream - Grand Casino Arena gives us an incredible platform to engage fans, tell our story in bold new ways, and bring the Grand Casino experience to downtown Saint Paul,” said Jeff LaFrance, Head of Marketing for Grand Casino. “From digital activations to in-arena surprises, we’re building something unforgettable.” The new name will take over in early September 2025, more than two months prior to the PWHL beginning camps and their 2025-26 regular season. Opened in 2000, the Xcel Energy Center has been home to the NHL's Minnesota Wild since day one. The Frost averaged 7,138 fans in their inaugural season dropping slightly to 6,524 in year two. The team drew a franchise high 13,316 fans for their first ever home game on January 6, 2024.
