Xcel Energy Center
| Company type | Indoor arena |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment, Sports |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Headquarters | Saint Paul , United States |
Area served | Saint Paul, Minnesota and surrounding region |
| Owner | City of Saint Paul |
| Parent | Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (operator) |
Grand Casino Arena (previously known as Xcel Energy Center until September 3, 2025) is a versatile indoor venue situated in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States. Established in 2000 and affectionately called "The X," the arena derives its original name from the regional energy company Xcel Energy. It accommodates up to 17,954 spectators across four tiers: one designated suite level and three general admission levels. The facility serves as the home rink for the NHL's Minnesota Wild and the Minnesota Frost of the PWHL.
The City of Saint Paul owns the arena, while Minnesota Sports & Entertainment—parent organization of the Wild—handles its operations. Positioned in a downtown block alongside the RiverCentre convention complex, Roy Wilkins Auditorium, and Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, it offers an interconnected indoor concourse linking directly to RiverCentre and Roy Wilkins Auditorium.
History
Constructed on the former site of the demolished St. Paul Civic Center, the arena officially opened its doors on September 29, 2000. The initiative to build a new facility arose following the departure of the Minnesota North Stars NHL franchise to Dallas. Under Mayor Norm Coleman, Saint Paul sought to attract teams such as the Hartford Whalers and Winnipeg Jets, but efforts were hampered by the outdated condition of the Civic Center. Securing an NHL expansion team necessitated a modern arena. After several funding proposals, the state provided a $65 million interest-free loan in April 1998 toward the $130 million project, forgiving $17 million in exchange for hosting state high school sports championships.
On October 5, 2004, the arena was a stop on the Vote for Change Tour, featuring performances by Bright Eyes, R.E.M., and Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band with guest artists.
Chosen as the principal site for the 2008 Republican National Convention, it hosted this event from September 1 to 4, 2008. At that time, Minnesota Sports & Entertainment operated the venue; its owner, Craig Leipold, who also owns the Minnesota Wild, is known for his support of Republican causes.
By July 3, 2007, attendance at events in the arena had reached ten million visitors. In 2010, ESPN magazine ranked attending a Minnesota Wild game at this location as offering the third-best stadium experience across North America.
In December 2023, officials from Saint Paul acknowledged that the facility was becoming outdated and projected renovation expenses into the several hundred million-dollar range to update amenities and accommodate changing visitor expectations.
In April 2025, it was revealed that after a quarter-century under its original name, Xcel Energy Center would be rebranded prior to the commencement of the 2025–26 NHL season, although Xcel Energy would continue as a partner. Subsequently, on June 30, 2025, a new naming rights deal was announced with Hinckley-based Grand Casino Hinckley, effective September 3, 2025.
Features
Throughout the concourses, hockey jerseys from every Minnesota high school are showcased, emphasizing the state's rich hockey tradition known as the "State of Hockey." Positioned at each corner of the arena are unique "crow's nests": one contains an organ used during Wild games; another features a lighthouse equipped with a foghorn that sounds before games, after goals, and following victories; a third hosts the Wild's drum line; and the final one functions as an extra stage.
Prior to its opening, the arena was equipped with a comprehensive system by Daktronics that integrates scoring, video, information, and advertising components. This includes a prominent circular LED scoreboard suspended above center ice with multiple screens, nearly of ribbon display technology wrapped around the fascia, and large external video boards. In 2014, the center-ice display was enhanced to include the largest LED screen measuring by . Between 2015 and early 2016, all existing seats were replaced with cushioned seating for improved comfort.
Attendance records
- January 6, 2024: The Minnesota Frost's inaugural home game in the Professional Women's Hockey League attracted 13,316 spectators, establishing a new attendance record for professional women's hockey. This figure exceeded the previous record set just five days earlier in Ottawa.
- March 6, 2015: A crowd of 21,609 attended the State Boys' Hockey Tournament Class AA semifinals at Xcel Energy Center—the highest indoor hockey attendance ever recorded in Minnesota.
- March 9, 2012: The Minnesota State High School League Boys' hockey tournament drew a record-setting audience of 19,893 during the AA semifinal session.
- March 8, 2008: Attendance reached 19,559 for the AA semifinal session.
- February 8, 2004: The NHL All-Star Game set Minnesota’s top attendance for a hockey game with 19,434 fans.
- May 6, 2014: The Wild’s matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks set a franchise attendance high at 19,416.
- October 28, 2003: Shania Twain achieved the arena’s highest single-night concert attendance with 20,554 attendees.
- March 17, 2007: The WCHA Final Five championship game attracted 19,463 fans—the largest indoor college ice hockey crowd in the U.S. outside of football stadium venues.
- January 19, 2013: The Wild’s season opener versus the Colorado Avalanche drew an audience of 19,298 and featured first appearances by signees Zach Parise and Ryan Suter.
- The Wild maintained sellouts for every home game at Xcel Energy Center until October 16, 2010—accumulating a streak of 400 consecutive sold-out games.
- Prince and Taylor Swift hold the record for most consecutive sold-out performances at three shows each.
Sustainability efforts
The Xcel Energy Center complex—including Saint Paul RiverCentre and The Roy Wilkins Auditorium—has earned three prestigious certifications:
- Green Globes Certification (November 2017)
- LEED Platinum Certification (September 2019)
- Event Industry Council (EIC) Sustainable Event Standards (SES) – Gold Certification (November 2020)
It stands as the first venue worldwide to achieve all three distinctions. Key initiatives supporting sustainability encompass:
- Recycling approximately 60% of total waste generated
- Encouraging sustainable commuting methods among staff—with around 40% using buses, bicycles, carpools, or fuel-efficient vehicles
- Utilizing cleaning products where 90% meet environmentally friendly criteria
Additionally, Xcel Energy Center collaborates with the NHL's Change the Course campaign to advance water conservation efforts. These green initiatives are showcased in its video titled Exceptionally Green: Minnesota Wild, Saint Paul RiverCentre and Xcel Energy Center.
Sports
Recognized as one of the leading sports arenas in the Midwest, Xcel Energy Center was honored by ESPN as the top overall sports venue in the United States in 2004. It has served as the host site for the NCAA Frozen Four tournament on four occasions: 2002, 2011, 2018, and 2024. From 2005 until 2015, the National Lacrosse League's Minnesota Swarm called this arena home. Additionally, during renovations of their regular facility, the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx played their 2016 playoff games and the entire 2017 season at this location.
Since 2018, the arena has been the venue for the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) Frozen Faceoff and was previously the site for the Big Ten Men's Ice Hockey Tournament. The Minnesota State High School League also organizes several state-level championships here, including tournaments for volleyball, wrestling, and hockey.
The Minnesota Wild inaugurated their presence at Xcel Energy Center with their first game in October 2000. Their initial playoff victory on home ice occurred in April 2003. A milestone was reached in April 2015 when the Wild secured a playoff series win at their arena for the first time.
In 2023, the Professional Women's Hockey League introduced the Minnesota Frost, based at this venue. Their debut home game attracted over 13,000 spectators, setting a new attendance record for professional women's hockey. Grace Zumwinkle not only scored the first goal on home ice but also achieved a hat-trick, while Maddie Rooney earned a shutout in that game.
Concerts
Since its debut in 2000, Xcel Energy Center has welcomed performances from a wide array of prominent musical artists such as Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Imagine Dragons, Elton John, Pink, Madonna, Pentatonix, Kelly Clarkson, Ariana Grande, Post Malone, Beyoncé, Shania Twain, Iron Maiden, and Bruno Mars. These concerts play a vital role in enhancing the venue’s revenue streams and solidifying its reputation as a top-tier entertainment destination.
Funding
The construction of the arena, which cost $130 million, was partially financed in 1998 by a $65 million interest-free loan from the state. Of this amount, $17 million was forgiven after an agreement was reached for hosting amateur and public events, leaving a remaining loan balance of $48 million.
In 2013, legislation was passed to forgive the outstanding $32.7 million loan associated with Xcel Energy Center. This arrangement reduced St. Paul’s annual loan repayments by $500,000 in both 2014 and 2015, with full forgiveness of the remaining balance occurring in 2016. Despite these adjustments, the city still carries $56.8 million in bonds from an original borrowing of $72.7 million dating back to 1998.