A proposal for major upgrades to the Xcel Energy Center complex in downtown St. Paul has a steep price tag at nearly $770 million, and supporters of the project hope the Legislature will pick up half the tab.

It’s hard to believe the Xcel Energy Center has hit a quarter century, with most fans agreeing the arena doesn’t seem to show its age.

The costs for renovations are estimated at $769 million. The city is asking the state to pay for half of those costs, with the Minnesota Wild owner funding 30% and the city putting forward the other 20%. City officials said this is its top priority for the 2025 legislative session.