Step Inside: Xcel Energy Center – Home of the Minnesota Wild

Home of the Minnesota Wild

Xcel Energy Center is home to the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League and the Minnesota Frost of the PWHL. Located in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota at 199 W Kellogg Blvd, the arena is situated just north of Irvine Park and the banks of the Mississippi River.

Owned by the City of St. Paul, Xcel Energy Center was built on the same city block as the St. Paul RiverCentre, the Roy Wilkins Auditorium and the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts.

Below, explore Xcel Energy Center, including the stadium’s history, parking and admission, and capacity and seating options, as well as food and beverage options inside the arena.

Xcel Energy Center History

Xcel Energy Center opened in September 2000 to replace the St. Paul Civic Center, which had been demolished following the NHL’s Minnesota Stars relocation to Dallas, Texas.

The Minnesota Wild played their first game in the arena — colloquially known by fans as The X — on September 29, 2000 in a pre-season match against the Anaheim Ducks. The team reached their first Stanley Cup playoffs a few seasons later in 2003, with the first two games of the Western Conference finals being played in the arena. The following year, Xcel Energy Center hosted the NHL All-Star Game for the first time.

Since 2018, it’s also served as the host venue for the National Collegiate Hockey Conference’s Frozen Faceoff. In 2023, the Minnesota Frost of the Professional Women’s Hockey League began using The X as their home arena. Their inaugural home game on January 6, 2024 set a new attendance record for a pro women’s hockey game, with more than 13,000 fans packing the stands to cheer on the team.

The multi-purpose indoor arena has also attracted huge tours to Minnesota by the likes of Lady Gaga, Imagine Dragons, Olivia Rodrigo, Ariana Grande, Post Malone, Beyoncé, Madonna, Elton John and more. Taylor Swift and Prince share the record for the most consecutive sold-out shows at the venue with three each. Meanwhile, Shania Twain set The X’s all-time record for a concert with 20,554 fans attending her 2003 Queen of Me Tour.

Other major events in the complex’s history include a 2004 Vote for Change tour stop featuring performances by Bright Eyes, R.E.M., Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, John Fogerty and Neil Young; the 2008 Republican National Convention; multiple iterations of the NCAA Frozen Four; the 2016 WNBA Playoffs and more.

Parking and Admission at Xcel Energy Center

Advance parking at Xcel Energy Center is available for purchase using the ParkWhiz app. However, event day parking on the RiverCentre and Kellogg parking ramps directly connected to the complex is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Drop-off and pick-up for various rideshare services is located at Gate 4 at the stadium’s northeast corner. Additional public parking ramps and lots are located throughout downtown St. Paul.

Xcel Energy Center Capacity & Seating Options

Xcel Energy Center has a total capacity of 20,554, split between four spectator levels: a lower level, upper level, suites and a club level. Concerts at the arena also typically include floor seating. To view a seating chart of the venue, click here.

Food & Beverage Options at Xcel Energy Center

Xcel Energy Center offers a multitude of food and beverage options inside the stadium. Food vendors include Sheboygan Sausage Company, Red Baron Pizza, City Burger, Philly Post, Wild Greens, Wild Grill, Market House Sausage Cart, Bibigo, Wild Cantina, Camp Grill, Carvery, Pajarito, Wrecktangle Pizza, Nordy’s Knots Pretzels, Grand Ole Creamery Ice Cream, J&R’s Dough Shop and more.

Additionally, Xcel Energy Center has a number of on-site restaurants including Flynt & Kyndle, upscale lounge The Reserve and Michelob Golden Light Taphouse.