# Minnesota Wild: Xcel Energy Center Game Day Guide

> Prices, parking, seating and transit for NHL games at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, MN. All figures are for the 2025-26 and were last updated 2026-03-21.

Source: https://visityourteam.com/nhl/wild
League: NHL | Division: Central
Data source: VisitYourTeam editorial

## Venue

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Name | Xcel Energy Center |
| Location | Saint Paul, MN |
| Capacity | 17,954 |
| Surface | Ice |
| Roof | Indoor |
| Opened | 2000 |
| Coordinates | 44.9448, -93.1011 |
| Official site | https://www.xcelenergycenter.com |

## Game Day Cost

Cheapest realistic single-person game day at Xcel Energy Center: **$54** ($40 ticket + $2 parking + $7 food + $5 drink).

| Category | Lowest price |
| --- | --- |
| Ticket | $40 |
| Parking | $2 |
| Food item | $7 |
| Drink | $5 |

### Ticket tiers

| Tier | Price | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Upper Level (200-Level) | $40 | Upper deck with full-rink views, the atmosphere is electric in Minnesota's hockey-mad fan base |
| Club Level | $110 | Premium mid-level seats with lounge access, wider seating, and elevated sightlines |
| Lower Level Corners (100-Level) | $135 | Corner lower bowl close to the ice with views of board play and net-front action |
| Lower Level Center (100-Level) | $200 | Center ice lower bowl with perfect sightlines, the ideal seat in the State of Hockey |
| Glass Seats | $375 | Behind the glass at ice level, Minnesota hockey fans consider these sacred ground |

### Concession prices

| Item | Category | Price |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hot Dog | Classic | $7 |
| Juicy Lucy Burger | Regional | $14 |
| Walleye Fingers | Regional | $15 |
| Hot Dish (Tater Tot Casserole) | Regional | $13 |
| Bratwurst | Regional | $9 |
| Chicken Tenders Basket | Classic | $14 |
| Loaded Nachos | Classic | $13 |
| Pizza Slice | Classic | $9 |
| Summit EPA | Beer | $14 |
| Surly Furious IPA | Beer | $15 |
| Domestic Beer | Beer | $12 |
| Hard Cider | Cocktail | $14 |
| Soft Drink | Non-Alcoholic | $6 |
| Water Bottle | Non-Alcoholic | $6 |

## Parking

Xcel Energy Center is in downtown St. Paul. Metro Green Line connects to Minneapolis. Downtown ramps $5-15. One of the more affordable NHL arenas. Same metro area as NBA Timberwolves (Target Center in Minneapolis).

| Lot | Price | Distance | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Xcel Energy Center Ramps | $15 | 0.1-0.3 miles | Official ramps at Xcel Energy Center in downtown St. Paul. |
| Downtown St. Paul Ramps | $8 | 0.2-0.4 miles | Multiple ramps in downtown St. Paul. Walk to arena. |
| Metro Green Line Light Rail | $2 | 0.3 miles from station | Metro Green Line to Central Station in St. Paul, walkable to Xcel Energy Center. $2 fare. |

### Parking tips

- Use the skyway system. In a Minnesota winter, walking from your car to the arena entirely indoors is a game-changer.
- RiverCentre Ramp is the most convenient but fills first. Pre-purchase for rivalry games.
- The Green Line from Minneapolis to Central Station is the stress-free option for Twin Cities fans.
- Post-game, Kellogg Ramp exits to Kellogg Boulevard for quick I-35E access south or I-94 west.
- St. Paul parking is very affordable compared to other NHL cities. Even the closest ramp is just $20.


## Seating

The Xcel Energy Center has a two-level bowl with a club level between: the 100-level lower bowl and the 200-level upper level. With 17,954 seats, it's one of the more intimate arenas in the NHL, which contributes to its legendary atmosphere. The arena was purpose-built for hockey, the sightlines are optimized for watching the puck and the lower bowl sits very close to the ice.

| Section | Price range | View | Pros | Cons |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Glass Seats (100-Level Front Rows) | $275 - $550+ | Behind the glass at ice level. In the State of Hockey, these are the most coveted seats in the building. | Most immersive experience; Feel every hit through the glass; Premium access and amenities | Glass obstructs during board play; Low angle limits cross-ice view; Very expensive, Wild demand is high |
| Lower Bowl Center (100-Level) | $140 - $275 | Center ice lower bowl. The best pure hockey viewing seats in an arena designed specifically for hockey. | Purpose-built hockey sightlines; Close to the ice; Incredible atmosphere | Premium pricing, Wild tickets are always in demand; Center sections sell out first |
| Lower Bowl Corners/Ends (100-Level) | $70 - $155 | Corner and end zone lower bowl. Great for watching goals, power plays, and physical play along the boards. | More affordable lower bowl access; Excellent behind-the-net angle; Close to player benches | Far-end play harder to follow; Angled views from deep corners |
| Club Level | $100 - $195 | Premium mid-level seating with lounge access. Elevated perspective with wider, more comfortable seats. | Most comfortable seats; Premium lounge access; Great elevated sightlines | Slightly removed from ice-level energy; Higher price point |
| Upper Level (200-Level) | $35 - $90 | Upper deck with steep rake giving every seat a full-rink view. The crowd up here is passionate and loud. | Most affordable option; Full-rink perspective; Some of the most passionate fans sit here | High above the ice; Steep stairs; Limited food options |

Official seat map: https://www.xcelenergycenter.com/seating-chart

## Getting There

The Xcel Energy Center is in downtown St. Paul, accessible from I-94, I-35E, and the Metro Green Line light rail from Minneapolis. The arena is connected to St. Paul's skyway system, which means you can park in a downtown ramp and walk to the arena entirely indoors, a critical feature in Minnesota winters. Downtown St. Paul is compact and easy to navigate, though quieter than Minneapolis on non-game nights.

**Driving.** From Minneapolis: Take I-94 East to the 7th Street exit, head south to the arena. From the south: Take I-35E North to the Kellogg Boulevard exit. From the north: Take I-35E South to the same exit. The arena is at 199 Kellogg Blvd West.

**Public transit.** Metro Green Line light rail to Central Station in St. Paul, walkable to Xcel Energy Center. $2 fare. Connects to Minneapolis (Timberwolves' Target Center area). Metro buses serve downtown St. Paul.

**Rideshare.** Uber/Lyft drop-off is on West 7th Street near the main entrance. Post-game pickup zones are marked. Expect moderate surge and 10-15 minute waits after games.

### Transit options

| Option | Price | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Metro Green Line Light Rail | $3 | The Green Line connects Minneapolis and St. Paul, the Central Station stop is a short walk from the Xcel |
| Metro Transit Bus | $3 | Multiple bus routes serve downtown St. Paul with stops near the arena |
| Rideshare (from Minneapolis) | $20 | Uber/Lyft from Minneapolis, about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic on I-94 |

## Tailgating

There's no traditional parking-lot tailgating at Xcel Energy Center, the arena is in an urban setting without dedicated tailgating lots. Wild fans gather at Lowertown (Craft Brewery District) and surrounding bars and restaurants for the pregame scene. The energy builds as game time approaches, with fans filling the streets and plazas near the arena. Check the team's website for recommended pregame spots and any official fan events.

### Rules

- No grills, coolers, or tailgating setups are permitted in parking garages or structures near Xcel Energy Center.
- Outside alcohol is not allowed in public plazas or the arena grounds.
- The arena's clear bag policy applies at all entry gates.
- No re-entry. Once you leave Xcel Energy Center, you cannot return.
- Follow all posted rules in parking garages; they are for vehicle parking only.


### Best areas

| Area | Description |
| --- | --- |
| Lowertown (Craft Brewery District) | St. Paul's historic warehouse district has become a craft beer destination. Multiple breweries within walking distance of the arena. |
| Rice Park / 7th Street | The restaurants and bars around Rice Park and along 7th Street offer skyway-accessible pregame dining. |
| West 7th Street | The West 7th corridor between downtown and the airport has neighborhood bars and restaurants with a local feel. |

## Food & Drink

The Xcel Energy Center embraces Minnesota's food identity with Juicy Lucy burgers, walleye fingers, and hot dish alongside standard arena fare. The local craft beer scene is represented by Summit (St. Paul's flagship) and Surly (the powerhouse from Minneapolis). Minnesota arena food is hearty, warming, and designed for hockey, exactly what you want on a January night. Lowertown's restaurants and breweries offer a world-class pregame alternative.

### Nearby restaurants

| Name | Cuisine | Price range | Rating |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Mancini’s Char House | Steak House | $$ | 4.7 |
| DeGidio's Restaurant & Bar, St. Paul | Italian Restaurant | $$ | 4.7 |
| Moscow on the Hill | Russian Restaurant | $$ | 4.7 |
| Cossetta | Italian Restaurant | $$ | 4.6 |
| Lost Fox | Restaurant | $$ | 4.6 |
| Red Cow St. Paul | Restaurant | $$ | 4.6 |
| Cafe Astoria | Restaurant | $$ | 4.6 |
| Hope Breakfast Bar - St. Paul | Breakfast Restaurant | $$ | 4.4 |

## Game Day Timeline

The Xcel Energy Center sits in downtown Saint Paul, connected to the city's famous skyway system. Minnesota is the State of Hockey. This isn't marketing, it's cultural identity. Every kid plays, every adult watches, and the Wild are the heart of the professional scene. The arena is intimate (17,954), loud, and packed with fans who grew up on the ice. St. Paul's downtown is quieter than Minneapolis but the Lowertown neighborhood has a thriving craft beer scene. Winter games mean frigid walks, but the skyway system lets you reach the arena from parking ramps without stepping outside.

| Time | What happens | Detail |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 3 hours before puck drop | Lowertown pregame | Head to Lowertown for craft beer at one of St. Paul's excellent breweries. The neighborhood is a short walk from the arena. |
| 2 hours before puck drop | Rice Park area | The restaurants around Rice Park and along 7th Street offer good pregame dining within skyway distance of the Xcel. |
| 1 hour before puck drop | Doors open | Enter the Xcel and watch warm-ups. The building has one of the best atmospheres in the NHL, Minnesota fans are hockey literate. |
| 30 minutes before puck drop | Find your seat | Settle in. The crowd buzzes with anticipation, Wild games are an event in the State of Hockey. |
| Puck drop | Game time | Three 20-minute periods. Wild fans are loud, knowledgeable, and react to offsides and icing calls. This is a hockey crowd. |
| First intermission | Hit the concourse | Grab a Juicy Lucy or walleye fingers with a Surly Furious IPA. Minnesota food and beer at their best. |
| Post-game | Lowertown nightlife | Walk to Lowertown for post-game pints at one of St. Paul's craft breweries. Or take the skyway back to your car and hit the road. |

## Lodging

| Hotel | Per night | Distance |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Holiday Inn St. Paul Downtown | $180 | 0.1 miles |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown St. Paul | $180 | 0.1 miles |
| The Saint Paul Hotel | $180 | 0.3 miles |
| InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront, an IHG Hotel | $180 | 0.4 miles |
| DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel St Paul Downtown | $180 | 0.4 miles |

## Typical Weather

| Month | High (F) | Low (F) | Precipitation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| October | 58 | 40 | 2.5 inches |
| November | 42 | 27 | 1.3 inches |
| January | 24 | 9 | 0.5 inches |
| March | 42 | 25 | 1.4 inches |
| April | 57 | 37 | 2.6 inches |

## FAQ

### What is the bag policy at Xcel Energy Center?

Xcel Energy Center enforces a clear bag policy. Fans may bring one clear plastic or vinyl bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12", or a small clutch purse no larger than 4.5" x 6.5". All bags are subject to inspection at entry gates. Diaper bags and medically necessary items are permitted after inspection. Leave prohibited bags in your vehicle to avoid delays at the gates.

Source: https://www.xcelenergycenter.com

### How early can I enter Xcel Energy Center?

Gates at Xcel Energy Center typically open 1 hour before the scheduled game time. Arriving early gives you time to explore the arena, find your seats, and enjoy pre-game activities. Check the team's official website or app for specific gate times on game day, as times may vary for special events.

Source: https://www.xcelenergycenter.com

### Can I bring outside food or drinks into Xcel Energy Center?

Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside Xcel Energy Center. Exceptions typically include one sealed, clear water bottle (up to 20 oz) and medically necessary items. There are a wide variety of food and beverage options available inside the arena. Check the venue's A-to-Z guide for the most current policy.

Source: https://www.xcelenergycenter.com

### How much does parking cost at Xcel Energy Center?

Parking at Xcel Energy Center starts at $8 for downtown ramps lots. Prices vary by lot location and proximity to the arena. Pre-purchasing parking passes through the team's official app or website is strongly recommended, as many lots sell out on game day. Arrive early for the best selection.

Source: https://www.xcelenergycenter.com

### Is Xcel Energy Center a cashless venue?

Xcel Energy Center operates as a cashless venue. Credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are accepted at all points of sale. Cash-to-card conversion kiosks are typically available inside the arena for fans without cards.

Source: https://www.xcelenergycenter.com

### Can I leave and re-enter Xcel Energy Center during a game?

Xcel Energy Center does not allow re-entry once you have exited the arena. Make sure you have everything you need before entering. If you need to visit your vehicle, plan to do so before going through the gates. Exceptions may be made for medical emergencies at the discretion of arena management.

Source: https://www.xcelenergycenter.com

### What accessibility services are available at Xcel Energy Center?

Xcel Energy Center is fully ADA-compliant and offers wheelchair-accessible seating, companion seats, accessible restrooms, and elevators throughout the arena. Assistive listening devices are available at the guest services desk. Service animals are welcome. Contact the arena's accessibility services or guest relations in advance to arrange any special accommodations.

Source: https://www.xcelenergycenter.com

### Does Xcel Energy Center require mobile tickets?

Xcel Energy Center uses mobile-only ticketing for most events. Tickets are managed through the team's official app or authorized ticketing partner. Download your tickets to your mobile wallet before arriving, cellular service can be limited near the arena on game day. Screenshots of tickets are typically not accepted for entry.

Source: https://www.xcelenergycenter.com

### What items are prohibited at Xcel Energy Center?

Prohibited items at Xcel Energy Center include weapons of any kind, outside alcohol, large bags or backpacks, umbrellas, noisemakers (air horns, vuvuzelas), laser pointers, professional cameras with detachable lenses, drones, and any items that could be used as projectiles. Strollers may need to be checked at guest services. Review the full prohibited items list on the team's official website before attending.

Source: https://www.xcelenergycenter.com

### Is smoking or vaping allowed at Xcel Energy Center?

Xcel Energy Center is a smoke-free facility. Smoking, vaping, and the use of e-cigarettes are prohibited throughout the arena, including seating areas, concourses, restrooms, and clubs. Some venues have designated smoking areas outside the gates, but re-entry is not permitted. Plan accordingly.

Source: https://www.xcelenergycenter.com

### Is tailgating available at Xcel Energy Center?

Traditional tailgating is not available at Xcel Energy Center. The arena is located in an area without dedicated tailgating lots. Fans typically enjoy the pregame scene at nearby bars, restaurants, and entertainment districts before heading inside. Check the team's website for recommended pregame spots and official watch parties.

Source: https://www.xcelenergycenter.com

## Provenance

- Season: 2025-26
- Last updated: 2026-03-21
- Last verified: 2026-03-25
- Canonical page: https://visityourteam.com/nhl/wild
- Prices are researched per venue and represent typical published rates, not live market pricing.