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Xcel Energy Center Guide

NHL · Saint Paul · 17,954 capacity

Last updated: 3/9/2026

Xcel Energy Center is a downtown Saint Paul landmark. A skyway connects you directly from the RiverCentre Parking Ramp, while public transit—multiple bus routes and the METRO Green Line's Central Station—offers another easy way to arrive. For the full experience, book a downtown hotel to be near the action and the cluster of pregame pubs along West 7th Street.

At a glance

Bag policy
Small bags only
Cashless
Cashless
Re-entry
No re-entry
Gates open
Gates open 90 min before
Outside food
No outside food
Getting here
Public transportation options include several Metro Transit bus routes (e.g., 21, 54, 63, 64, 67, 70, 74, 94) and the Metro Green Line light rail, with Central Station being the closest stop.
Family friendly
The arena offers family restrooms, designated nursing rooms, kid-friendly concessions, and often hosts pre-event entertainment such as live music, dance performances, and fan zones with activities like face painting, games, and photo booths.
Capacity
17,954

No upcoming multi-sport weekend featuring Xcel Energy Center on the calendar. See Saint Paul home weekends on the city hub →

Where to stay for Xcel Energy Center

Downtown Saint Paul is the ideal neighborhood for hotels due to its proximity to the arena and other attractions.

Downtown/Lowertown

This area is a central hub for arts, culture, dining, and entertainment. It offers a walkable layout and is connected by the skyway system. Many hotels are located here, providing convenient access to major sports venues.

Direct access to the METRO Green Line via the Union Depot station, connecting to downtown Minneapolis and other parts of St. Paul. Numerous local bus lines are available. Many hotels offer shuttle services within the downtown area.

West Seventh

Known as Saint Paul's first neighborhood, West Seventh offers a lively atmosphere with a mix of historic buildings, new developments, restaurants, and breweries. It's located close to the Mississippi River.

The neighborhood has easy access to major highways and public transportation, including Metro Transit buses and light rail services connecting to other parts of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

Summit Hill / Cathedral Hill

This charming and historic area is known for its beautiful Victorian mansions and the popular Grand Avenue, which offers abundant shopping and dining options. It is considered one of Saint Paul's most walkable neighborhoods.

While not directly on a light rail line, it offers good bus connectivity to downtown Saint Paul. Some hotels in the vicinity may provide shuttle services.

See full Saint Paul stay guide →

Arrival and exit strategy

Transit and approach

Public transportation options include several Metro Transit bus routes (e.g., 21, 54, 63, 64, 67, 70, 74, 94) and the Metro Green Line light rail, with Central Station being the closest stop.

Rideshare and parking

Rideshare: Designated rideshare pickup and drop-off zones are located near Kellogg Boulevard and West 7th Street, specifically at Gate 4 on the northeast corner of 5th Street.

Parking: The RiverCentre Parking Ramp and Kellogg Parking Ramp are directly connected to Xcel Energy Center, with the RiverCentre ramp offering skyway access. Reserving parking online is an option for select events, though not typically for Minnesota Wild games. It is recommended to arrive 60-90 minutes early.

After the event

Options for post-game activities include Patrick McGovern's Pub (open until 12:30 AM on Friday/Saturday), The White Squirrel Bar (open until 2 AM), and St. Paul Tap (open until 1 AM or 2 AM depending on the day).

Works well with these Saint Paul venues

Map context

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The game-day experience

  • Atmosphere area: Xcel Energy Center is located in downtown Saint Paul, in what is often referred to as the 'Seven Corners' neighborhood. It is affectionately known as 'The X' by locals.
  • Tailgating: Tailgating is generally not a major part of the game-day culture at Xcel Energy Center. It is not allowed on any covered parking ramps. Some third-party surface lots may permit tailgating, but sound-amplifying equipment and wood-burning fires are prohibited; only charcoal or propane grills are allowed.
  • Signature food: Local favorites include Hot Indian, Pizza Luce, and Sweet Martha's Cookies, along with various craft beer selections.
  • Fan tradition: Minnesota Wild hockey is central to the arena's culture. A 'Goal Light District' celebrates Minnesota's passion for hockey with interactive displays and team history exhibits, and the arena itself has been recognized for its fan-friendly layout and atmosphere.
  • Pregame institution: Patrick McGovern's Pub (225 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102)

Where to eat and drink nearby

Pregame picks

  • Tom Reid's Hockey City Pub
    258 W 7th St, Saint Paul, MN 55102 · West 7th

    Owned by a former NHL defenseman, it's a family-friendly sports pub decked out with over 400 hockey photos and memorabilia. It boasts 35 HD TVs showing all sports, making it a popular spot for pre-game, dinner, and after-the-game gatherings.

    What to order: American and Canadian specialties, including sizzling burgers, poutine, piled-high sandwiches, salads, wings, grilled chicken, ribs, and eight different walleye preparations.

  • Alary's Bar & Barbeque
    139 E 7th St, St Paul, MN 55101 · Downtown

    Legendary since 1949, Alary's is a renowned sports bar with 75 years of history. It features over 20 TVs and offers free parking after 4 pm, making it a popular spot for fans to gather for food, drinks, and games. It's also an official 'Loons Watch Spot'.

    What to order: Known for its BBQ, with highlights including slow-smoked burnt ends, smoked turkey, Texas hot links, brisket, pulled pork, and ribs.

  • Wild Bill's Sports Saloon
    175 West 7th Street, St. Paul, MN · Downtown

    A fun, laid-back, Western-themed bar and restaurant located across from the Xcel Energy Center. It offers excellent sports viewing with wall-to-wall HDTVs, comfort food, a wide selection of beer, approachable cocktails, and pull tabs.

    What to order: Fresh burgers, homemade cheese curds, breaded pickles, fresh never-frozen wings, thick-cut burgers, BBQ ribs, wraps, and salads.

  • The Eagle Street
    253 Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul, MN · Downtown

    St. Paul's newest sports bar as of late 2025, located directly across from the Grand Casino Arena (formerly Xcel Energy Center). It offers a casual vibe, live music, craft cocktails, and American classics, making it a premier spot before or after events.

    What to order: Burgers, sliders, wraps, wings, soups, sandwiches, Reuben quesadillas, and Irish nachos.

  • J.R. Mac's Grill & Pub
    1420 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102 · West 7th

    A traditional Irish Pub & Sports Bar located on Historic West 7th Street. It's known for serving award-winning food and cocktails in a classic pub atmosphere, making it a reliable choice for fans before or after games.

    What to order: Award-winning food and cocktails in a traditional Irish pub setting.

  • Zamboni's on 7th
    207 W 7th St, St Paul, MN 55102 · Downtown

    A sports bar conveniently located right beside the Xcel Energy Center. It features great sandwiches and pizza, four bars, and a private events space, making it ideal for pre-game gatherings.

    What to order: Thin Crust Tavern Style Pizza and great sandwiches.