The Minnesota Wild is an NHL team based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. They compete as part of the Central Division in the Western Conference. Established on June 25, 1997, the Wild brought back NHL hockey to Minnesota after the Minnesota North Stars relocated to Texas in 1993. Owned by Craig Leipold, the team plays its home games at the Xcel Energy Center. The Wild has two minor league affiliations Iowa Wild of the AHL and Iowa Heartlanders in the ECHL.
They reached the Western Conference Finals in 2003 for the first time however, the team has yet to capture the Stanley Cup. As of 2024, the Wild has reached the playoffs 13 times and secured the divisional title in the 2007-2008 season. Bill Guerin serves as the general manager, with John Hynes as head coach and Jared Spurgeon as captain.
Where do the Wild play in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Wild play their home games at the Xcel Energy Center, a multipurpose arena located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Arena was opened on September 29, 2000, with a seating capacity of 17,954. The arena is also the home to the Minnesota Frost of the PWHL along with NHL's Minnesota Wild. The owner of the arena is the city of Saint Paul and is operated by Minnesota Sports & Entertainment. The venue is part of the downtown RiverCentre complex, connected to facilities like the Roy Wilkins Auditorium.
Xcel Energy Center construction cost
The Xcel Energy Center was constructed for $170 million. The construction started in June 1998 and was officially inaugurated on September 29, 2000. The arena was designed by architectural firm HOK Sport (now Populous), the project was managed by Project Management Consultants, LLC, with Mortenson Construction serving as the general contractor.
Where Xcel Energy Center is located?
The Xcel Energy Center is located at 199 Kellogg Boulevard West in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in the United States. It is situated in downtown Saint Paul which is close to prominent landmarks such as the RiverCentre convention facility, Roy Wilkins Auditorium, and the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. The arena is accessible via public transit, with the Green Line stopping at Central Station nearby and Metro Transit Route 54 serving the area. The arena plays a central role in the city's sports and entertainment scene.
Xcel Energy Center Capacity
The Minnesota Wil's home Excel Energy Center has a seating capacity of 17,954 for ice hockey events. For concerts, the capacity varies depending on the stage setup. It can accommodate 12,999 for an end-stage configuration and up to 20,554 for a center-stage arrangement.
The venue saw one of the most memorable events on March 16, 2015, with 21,609 fans packed for the Minnesota State Boys' Hockey Tournament Class AA semifinals, setting a record for the largest indoor hockey audience in Minnesota. Another memorable moment occurred on October 28, 2003, when Saina Twain set the concert attendance of 20,554 fans.
Xcel Energy Center seating chart
The venue is designed with four spectator levels, including one suite level and three levels for general seating. The seating sections are numbered clockwise around the arena. These include sections 101-126 on the 100 level, C1-C40 on the RBC Wealth Management Club Level, and sections 201-230 on the 200 level.
What is the parking cost at the Xcel Energy Center?
As per the Arena's website, the parking cost for the Xcel Energy Center ranges between $6 to $49, depending on the lot or garage. Parking can often be reserved in advance for select occasions.
The arena does not have a dedicated parking lot, but it is connected to nearby parking ramps. The RiverCentre and Kellogg parking ramps, both bordering the arena, are the most commonly used by attendees.
Xcel Energy Center's notable events
The Xcel Energy Center has hosted many memorable events since it opened in 2000. Notable moments include Minnesota Frost's home debut on January 6, 2024, which set a record for attendance at a professional women's hockey game with over 13,000 fans. The venue also saw the thrilling 2015 State Boys' Hockey Tournament semifinals, where 21,609 fans attended, marking the largest indoor hockey crowd in Minnesota history. Other important events include concerts by superstar artists like Shania Twain and Taylor Swift.
FAQs on Minnesota Wild
A. The Minnesota Wild practice at TRIA Rink is an ice hockey arena and practice facility in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
A. The Minnesota Wil's home Excel Energy Center has a seating capacity of 17,954 for ice hockey events
A. The Minnesota Wild team is part of the NHL's central division.
A. Craig Leipold is the owner of the Minnesota Wild
