Plans to upgrade St. Paul's biggest event space without raising taxes

Every year over 2 million people visit St. Paul's main entertainment venue, a cluster of aging buildings from different eras that somehow still host everything from small concerts to college basketball tournaments. The city has tried before to get major upgrades funded, but each attempt has been rejected or scaled back. Now, the mayor and the Wild hockey team owner are trying again with a new pitch that keeps taxpayers off the hook for overruns.The latest version asks the state for $200 million out of a $600 million total, promising that private partners will cover the rest instead of asking for a bigger share from residents. While the team commits to playing in the renovated space for decades, some wonder if the city’s half-cent sales tax should really keep funding arena maintenance when programs supporting local arts and small businesses also need support. The debate isn’t just about money—it’s about priorities. Older venues need fixes like better access for people with disabilities, improved heating systems, and spaces that actually feel welcoming. Can a 90-year-old auditorium and a 20-year-old arena still meet today’s expectations without constant repairs?