Where the Minnesota Wild Play
The Minnesota Wild play their home games at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. The arena opened in 2000 and has been the Wild's home since the team's first season in 2000–01. The building sits at 199 Kellogg Boulevard East in downtown St. Paul, about ten minutes from Minneapolis across the Mississippi River.
Xcel Energy Center holds roughly 17,954 people for hockey games. The arena also hosts concerts, other sports events, and conventions. The facility is named after Xcel Energy, a utility company that bought the naming rights when the building opened.
The Wild share the arena with the Minnesota Whitecaps, a women's hockey team that plays in the Premier Hockey Federation. The building is publicly owned by the city of St. Paul and managed by a private company.
Key Takeaways
- Xcel Energy Center is located at 199 Kellogg Boulevard East in downtown St. Paul and has been home to the Minnesota Wild since 2000.
- The arena holds approximately 17,954 people for hockey games and also hosts concerts, conventions, and other sporting events.
- Parking is available in nearby lots and ramps, with prices varying by event and lot; some lots fill quickly on game days.
- Public transit options include Metro Transit buses and light rail, which can reduce parking costs and traffic on game nights.
- The arena is accessible by car from both Minneapolis and St. Paul, with I-94 providing the main highway access to downtown.
Getting to Xcel Energy Center by Car
Most visitors drive to Xcel Energy Center. The arena sits near Interstate 94, which runs east-west through the Twin Cities. From Minneapolis, take I-94 east toward St. Paul and follow signs for downtown. From the south or west, I-35E also connects to downtown St. Paul.
Parking lots and ramps surround the arena. The building itself has limited parking underneath, but several public and private lots operate within a few blocks. Prices vary by lot and event type; expect to pay between $10 and $25 for a standard game. Some lots offer advance purchase discounts. On popular game nights, lots can fill by the second period, so arriving early improves your chances of finding a nearby spot.
Street parking exists in downtown St. Paul but is metered and limited. The parking meters operate during business hours and some evenings, depending on the block. Reading the posted signs carefully prevents a ticket.
Public Transit and Light Rail Options
Metro Transit, the public bus system for the Twin Cities, runs multiple routes to Xcel Energy Center. The arena is also served by the Green Line light rail, which connects downtown St. Paul to downtown Minneapolis and the Mall of America in Bloomington. The Green Line stops at Union Station, about a five-minute walk from the arena.
Taking the light rail eliminates parking costs and traffic stress. Fares are the same whether you ride one stop or many, and passes are available for single trips or all-day use. During events, Metro Transit runs extra buses and extends light rail service to handle crowds leaving the arena.
The bus system also offers park-and-ride lots at various locations around the metro area, allowing you to drive partway and then board a bus to downtown. This option works well if you live far from the arena but want to avoid downtown parking.
What to Bring and Arena Rules
Xcel Energy Center allows bags, but they must be clear plastic, paper, or mesh and no larger than 14 inches by 14 inches by 6 inches. Small clutches without handles are also permitted. Cameras are allowed, but professional equipment and tripods are not. Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the building.
The arena prohibits weapons of any kind, including pocket knives and pepper spray. Glass containers, cans, and bottles cannot be brought inside. Alcohol purchased outside the arena cannot be brought in, but beer, wine, and spirits are sold at concession stands inside.
Xcel Energy Center is accessible for people with mobility challenges. Wheelchair seating is available throughout the building, and accessible parking is provided in nearby lots. Service animals are permitted. The arena has family restrooms and nursing rooms for parents with infants.
Concessions and Seating Options
Food and drink options at Xcel Energy Center include typical arena fare: hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pizza, and hamburgers. Prices are higher than outside restaurants, as is standard at sports venues. The arena also has a few local vendors that rotate seasonally. Bottled water, soda, beer, and wine are available at multiple concession stands throughout the building.
Seating is divided into sections around the rink. Lower bowl seats are closer to the ice and cost more. Upper bowl seats are farther away but less expensive. Standing room only tickets are sometimes available for sold-out games at a reduced price. Suite rentals are available for groups and corporate events.
The Wild's official website shows a seating map and allows you to select your seat before purchase. Prices vary widely depending on opponent, day of the week, and how far in advance you buy. Weekend games against popular teams cost significantly more than weekday games against less-attended opponents.
Events Beyond Hockey
Xcel Energy Center hosts concerts, college hockey tournaments, high school hockey championships, and other sporting events throughout the year. The NCAA Division I men's hockey tournament regional rounds have been held there multiple times. The building also hosts the Minnesota State High School League hockey tournament.
Concert schedules vary by year. Major touring acts sometimes include St. Paul on their routes, and the arena's website lists upcoming events. Ticket prices and parking rules may differ for non-hockey events, so check the specific event details before attending.
The arena is also used for conventions, trade shows, and other large gatherings. These events do not affect hockey schedules but may impact parking availability on certain dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own food or drinks into Xcel Energy Center?
No, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the arena. However, you can purchase food and drinks at concession stands throughout the building. Bottled water, soda, beer, and wine are all available for purchase.
What is the best way to get to the arena if I don't want to drive?
The Green Line light rail is the most direct option, with a stop at Union Station about five minutes from the arena. Metro Transit buses also serve the location. Both options eliminate parking costs and traffic concerns on game nights.
How early should I arrive before a game?
Arriving 60 to 90 minutes early gives you time to park, walk to the arena, and find your seat without rushing. For popular games, arriving even earlier improves your parking options. If you take light rail, you can arrive closer to game time since you won't need to search for parking.
Are there accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities?
Yes, accessible parking is available in nearby lots. You will need a valid disability parking permit or license plate. Contact the arena or check the Wild's website for specific accessible parking lot locations and how to reserve a space in advance.
Can I bring a camera to take photos during the game?
Personal cameras are allowed, but professional equipment and tripods are not. Flash photography may be restricted during play. Check the Wild's website or call the arena directly if you have questions about specific camera equipment.