Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

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Thousands descended on downtown St. Paul on Saturday for the 

high school boys hockey state championships

St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her and the Minnesota Wild announced a framework deal Tuesday that includes more than $360 million in public money for $600 million in renovations to the arena, the St. Paul RiverCentre and Roy Wilkins Auditorium.

 to come from state and city coffers. The Minnesota Wild would privately finance about $162 million for the arena, which the city would match.

Hockey fans at the state tournament Saturday shared mixed feelings about the use of public dollars.

Sara Powell came from Hibbing with her husband and son for the tournament. She wants to see more state funding in northern Minnesota, particularly schools. Their nearby school district recently announced a $2 million shortfall, she said.  

Still, Powell thinks it's worth investing in the arena.

“You put those renovations in, you're going to have a lot more people coming. And, you know, the busier, the better for everyone,” Powell said. “I mean, we did a lot for the US Bank Stadium. Why not the Wild? Hockey all the way.”

Lucy Ufford attends the boy's hockey tournament each year with her dad. The 15-year-old said the arena could be better, though she could not think of any pressing concerns. 

“Depending on the renovations that they're looking to do, it would be a great idea,” said Ufford. “Making it maybe a more helpful and fun experience for the fans and maybe an easier experience for the staff.”

J. P. West, 45, said he's not opposed to renovations. Minnesota is the “state of hockey” in his words, but he wants to know what that would entail in a facility that still feels brand new to him. The arena opened in 2000. 

West also said officials should invest more in municipal rinks.  

“If we can do it here, we also should be able to put tax money to youth rinks as well,” he said, flanked by his son, nephew and a friend who all play youth hockey in Anoka and Elk River.

Brooke Harle of Hibbing also came to the tournament with a group of young hockey players, comprised of family and family friends. She said the Grand Casino Arena is already nice and would not put public money toward renovations.

“If you saw the arena in Hibbing that these kids all skate at, this is beautiful,” said Harle. “We have the [Hibbing Fairgrounds Arena], and it needs a lot of work.”

The deal is far from official and would require state lawmakers to approve their proposed $200 million share this legislative session. Lawmakers balked at the idea of publicly funding arena upgrades during the 2025 session.

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MPR News asked hockey fans at the high school state tournament their thoughts on the $600 million price tag for renovations to the Grand Casino Arena. 

MPR News asked hockey fans at the high school state tournament their thoughts on the $600 million price tag for renovations to the Grand Casino Arena. 

Some hockey fans have questions about the Grand Casino Arena renovation

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