Grand Casino Arena
Grand Casino Arena - Travel Guide & Stadium Information
- Ice Hockey stadium in Saint Paul, United States with 17,954 capacity - complete travel and matchday guide
- Professional playing surface with modern facilities
- Transport: Nearest train station, tube line, and bus routes with walking times
- Parking: Official stadium parking £10 to £20, street parking options nearby
- Away fans: Dedicated section, entrance gates, and capacity allocation information
Key Facts
Grand Casino Arena Essential Details
Grand Casino Arena Basic Details
Stadium Capacity
17,954 spectators
Year Opened
2000
Address & Location
175 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN 55102
Saint Paul, United States
Technical Specifications
Pitch Type
No Pitch
Stadium Type
Multi-Sport Venue
Primary Sport
Ice Hockey
Venue Classification
Arena
Location & Maps
About Grand Casino Arena
About Grand Casino Arena
Grand Casino Arena — known for 25 years as Xcel Energy Center and affectionately called "The X" — is the home of the Minnesota Wild (NHL) and Minnesota Frost (PWHL), located at 175 West Kellogg Boulevard in downtown Saint Paul. Opened on September 29, 2000 at a cost of $173 million, it replaced the aging Saint Paul Civic Center and was built to secure an NHL expansion franchise for Minnesota, bringing professional hockey back to the state after the North Stars left for Dallas in 1993. The arena is owned by the City of Saint Paul and operated by Minnesota Sports & Entertainment, the Wild's parent company. On September 3, 2025, the arena was officially renamed Grand Casino Arena following a 14-year naming rights agreement with the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, owners of Grand Casino Hinckley and Grand Casino Mille Lacs — one of the first major North American arena naming rights deals with a Native American Nation. Xcel Energy remains a partner of the Wild. The arena seats 17,954 across four spectator levels and is situated on the same downtown block as the RiverCentre convention facility, Roy Wilkins Auditorium, and the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, all connected by indoor walkways. This complex generates approximately $383 million in annual local economic activity. Grand Casino Arena is connected to downtown Saint Paul's celebrated 5-mile climate-controlled skyway system — one of the longest in the United States — allowing fans to reach the arena from multiple hotels and the METRO Green Line's Central Station entirely indoors, a critical amenity for Minnesota winters. The arena's hockey legacy is extraordinary. Minnesota Wild games sold out for 400 consecutive home games from opening night until October 2010. On February 8, 2004, the arena hosted the NHL All-Star Game with 19,434 in attendance. On January 6, 2024, 13,316 fans attended the Minnesota Frost's PWHL home debut — then a world record for women's professional hockey attendance. The 2015 Minnesota State Boys' Hockey Tournament Class AA semifinals drew 21,609, setting a record for the largest indoor hockey crowd in Minnesota history. ESPN ranked a Wild game here as the third-best stadium experience in North America in 2010. From December 26, 2025 to January 5, 2026, Grand Casino Arena hosted the IIHF World Junior Championship — cementing Saint Paul's identity as the Capital of the State of Hockey. In 2025, the City of Saint Paul and Minnesota Wild agreed on a $488 million renovation — the Wild contributing $238 million plus overruns, city and local partners $200 million — to fully modernise the now 25-year-old facility with new seating, HVAC, electrical systems, ADA enhancements, and exterior restaurants. The renovation is projected to increase annual local economic impact by $110 million and transform downtown Saint Paul into a leading entertainment destination. Grand Casino Arena stands at the intersection of Minnesota's hockey identity and its future.
Getting to Grand Casino Arena
Getting to the Stadium
Metro Transit METRO Green Line to Central Station
The METRO Green Line light rail connects downtown Minneapolis and downtown Saint Paul, stopping at Central Station — a short walk from Grand Casino Arena — and also at 10th Street Station. The journey from downtown Minneapolis (Target Field Station) takes approximately 45 minutes along the full line. From the University of Minnesota area, around 20 minutes. Central Station has skyway access via the tower at the station, providing a climate-controlled indoor walking route to the arena — essential during Minnesota winters. Metro Transit All-Day Pass costs approximately $4.25 and covers unlimited bus and light rail rides from purchase until 2am the next day. Buy at any ticket machine or on the Metro Transit app.
Metro Transit Bus — Downtown Saint Paul Routes
Grand Casino Arena is accessible from several Metro Transit bus lines serving downtown Saint Paul, including Route 54. Buses stop within easy walking distance of the arena on Kellogg Boulevard and 7th Street. Lorenz Bus Service is the official charter bus partner of the Minnesota Wild — fan buses available for group travel (lorenzbus.com). Bus parking for chartered and fan buses is on 5th and 7th Streets across from the arena. Rideshare (Lyft is the official partner) pickup and drop-off is at Gate 4 on the northeast corner of the arena on 5th Street, near Section 120 and the Michelob Golden Light Taphouse.
Driving & Parking at Grand Casino Arena
Grand Casino Arena is located between Interstate 94 and I-35E in downtown Saint Paul, easily accessible from all directions. From the north: I-35E south, exit Wacouta, right on W. 7th Street, left on Kellogg Boulevard. From the east: I-94 west to exit 243 (Mounds/Kellogg), left on Kellogg. From the west: I-94 east, exit 5th Street. Primary parking is the RiverCentre Parking Ramp — pre-paid parking available and strongly recommended as spaces fill quickly. The RiverCentre Ramp has eight electric vehicle charging stations on the top level. A pedestrian walkway connects the ramp to the arena across Kellogg Boulevard.
Walking via Downtown Saint Paul Skyway
Downtown Saint Paul has one of the longest climate-controlled indoor skyway systems in the world — five miles of above-ground, heated walkways connecting hotels, restaurants, and attractions directly to Grand Casino Arena. Fans staying in downtown Saint Paul hotels can reach the arena entirely indoors during winter games. The skyway connects from Central Station (Green Line), the RiverCentre Ramp, and multiple downtown hotels including the Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, and Saint Paul Hotel.
Stadium Tours
Grand Casino Arena Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Tour Description
Experience the Capital of the State of Hockey from the inside with a guided behind-the-scenes tour of Grand Casino Arena. Visit the Minnesota Wild locker room and Minnesota Frost PWHL dressing room, walk through the players' tunnel to ice level, explore the RBC Wealth Management Club Level and Old National Bank Suite Level, and learn about the arena's history since opening in 2000 as Xcel Energy Center through the September 2025 renaming to Grand Casino Arena. The tour covers the arena's record-setting moments including the 400 consecutive sellout streak, the 2004 NHL All-Star Game, the January 2024 Minnesota Frost debut (13,316 fans — then a world record for women's professional hockey), and the hosting of the 2025-26 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Pricing & Duration
Adult tickets cost £20, children's tickets are £12, and concession tickets are available for £16. The complete stadium tour experience lasts 75 minutes, providing comprehensive access to the stadium's most exclusive areas.
Tour Highlights
The Grand Casino Arena Behind-the-Scenes Tour includes wild locker room, frost dressing room, players' tunnel, ice level, suite level, club level, record sellout history, world junior championship highlights, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most famous stadiums. Available on select non-event days throughout the year. Contact Grand Casino Arena guest services at 651-726-8200 or visit grandcasinoarena.com for scheduling. Book via grandcasinoarena.com or call guest services at 651-726-8200. Advance booking recommended.
Hotels Near Grand Casino Arena
Where to Stay
The Saint Paul Hotel
Accommodation Type & Location
Luxury accommodation - walking distance / skyway connected
Pricing
Rates from £200 to £450 per night
Description
Saint Paul's most prestigious hotel, a National Historic Landmark dating to 1910, just 0.5km from Grand Casino Arena and accessible via the downtown skyway. Twelve restaurant and a sophisticated lounge, and impeccable service in a historic setting overlooking Rice Park. The definitive luxury choice for a Wild game visit.
Hampton Inn & Suites St. Paul Downtown
Accommodation Type & Location
Mid-range accommodation - walking distance
Pricing
Rates from £130 to £230 per night
Description
Excellent mid-range option just 0.2km from the arena — essentially next door. Complimentary hot breakfast, modern rooms, and direct proximity to Grand Casino Arena make this the most convenient mid-range choice for Wild game trips. Books out quickly for sold-out events.
Holiday Inn St. Paul Downtown
Accommodation Type & Location
Budget accommodation - walking distance
Pricing
Rates from £90 to £170 per night
Description
Reliable and affordable IHG property essentially adjacent to Grand Casino Arena in downtown Saint Paul. A popular choice for budget-conscious fans attending Wild games — exceptional proximity at a reasonable price point. Accessible via the skyway network.
Covington Inn Bed & Breakfast
Accommodation Type & Location
Boutique accommodation - short drive or rideshare
Pricing
Rates from £180 to £320 per night
Description
Utterly unique boutique accommodation — a 1946 towboat permanently moored on the Mississippi River in Saint Paul's Harriet Island Regional Park, 2.5km from the arena. Four staterooms on the water with views of the Saint Paul skyline. An extraordinary Wild game weekend base unlike anything else in the NHL.
Dining at Grand Casino Arena
Restaurants
Pubs & Bars
Grand Casino Arena Accessibility
Accessibility
Wheelchair & Accessible Seating
Grand Casino Arena is fully ADA accessible with wheelchair and companion seating on all four spectator levels. Elevators serve all levels from ground entry. Accessible seating available across all price categories. Contact guest services for specific accessible seating requests. Gates open 75 minutes before puck drop for Wild games; suite/club gates open 90 minutes early.
METRO Green Line & Metro Transit
METRO Green Line stops at Central Station, connected to the arena via the downtown Saint Paul skyway system — a fully indoor, step-free, climate-controlled walking route. Metro Transit offers Para-transit services for guests with mobility needs. All Metro Transit vehicles are accessible. The skyway connection from Central Station is the gold standard for accessible winter arena access in the NHL. Para-transit available via Metro Transit.
RiverCentre Ramp Accessible Spaces
Designated accessible parking in the RiverCentre Parking Ramp, connected to the arena via a pedestrian walkway across Kellogg Boulevard. The ramp has eight EV charging stations on the top level (first-come, first-served for paid parkers). Pre-purchase accessible parking at grandcasinoarena.com. Spaces are limited — book early for Wild games. EV charging available on top level.
Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive listening devices available at Guest Services (Section 105, 100 level) during Wild games and events. Captioning available on arena scoreboards. Request assistive listening devices at Guest Services near Section 105 on the 100 level.
Accessible Restrooms
Accessible restrooms on all four concourse levels throughout the arena. Companion care restrooms available. All restroom areas step-free from accessible seating sections. Accessible restrooms on every level. Ask arena staff for directions.
Climate-Controlled Skyway Access
Grand Casino Arena is connected to downtown Saint Paul's award-winning 5-mile indoor skyway system — the longest climate-controlled pedestrian network in the United States. Guests can reach the arena entirely indoors from multiple downtown hotels, parking ramps, and the Green Line Central Station. The skyway is particularly valuable in Minnesota winters — allows step-free indoor transit from hotel to arena without exposure to cold. Map available at grandcasinoarena.com.
Grand Casino Arena Ticket Information
Ticket Prices
General Admission Tickets
Seating Area & Price Range
Upper Bowl (200 & 300 Levels) tickets range from $25 USD to $100 USD for the season tickets via minnesota wild ticket office. the wild has strong season ticket demand in the state of hockey — contact early for availability..
Description
Upper bowl seating for Minnesota Wild home games. The Wild averaged sold-out games for 400 consecutive games from opening until 2010. Demand remains high — especially for playoff push games in January through April. Gates open 75 minutes before puck drop.
What's Included
These upper bowl seating in the state of hockey's premier arena. the bowl's steep rake means even upper level seats have excellent sightlines — a legacy of the arena's original design focused on hockey atmosphere. the wild fanbase is among the most knowledgeable and passionate in the nhl. tickets include assigned seat, general concourse access, standard concessions on all levels, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Club Seating Tickets
Seating Area & Price Range
RBC Wealth Management Club Level tickets range from $85 USD to $260 USD for the club season packages available. contact minnesota sports & entertainment premium team..
Description
RBC Wealth Management Club Level provides access to the dedicated premium lounge with full bar, elevated F&B, and in-seat service for select sections. Gate 5 opens 90 minutes before puck drop for Club Level and suite holders — 15 minutes earlier than general admission.
What's Included
These club level seating with access to the rbc wealth management club — a premium lounge with enhanced food and beverage, in-seat service, and comfortable padded seating. one of the best club-level experiences in the nhl west. tickets include assigned club seat, rbc club access, in-seat service available, premium f&b, early gate entry via gate 5, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Suite / Hospitality Tickets
Seating Area & Price Range
Old National Bank Suite Level & Bud Light Top Shelf Lounge tickets range from $3500 USD to $10000 USD for the full-season suite leases and single-event rentals available. multi-sport options with minnesota frost (pwhl) games..
Description
Private suite rental at Grand Casino Arena for Wild games. Catering available through the arena's in-house food service. Suite Level accessible via Gate 5, opening 90 minutes before events for Old National Bank Suite Level, RBC Club Level, Bud Light Top Shelf Lounge, and OTG Club members.
What's Included
These grand casino arena's suite level features luxury suites, the bud light top shelf lounge, and otg club spaces. suite holders access via gate 5, which opens 90 minutes before puck drop. suites include full catering options and private restrooms. tickets include private suite, full catering, vip parking, early gate entry (gate 5), suite attendant, bud light top shelf lounge access, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Grand Casino Arena FAQs
Filter by Category
Why was Xcel Energy Center renamed Grand Casino Arena?Featured
After 25 years as Xcel Energy Center, the arena was renamed Grand Casino Arena on September 3, 2025, following a new 14-year naming rights agreement with the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, who own and operate Grand Casino Hinckley and Grand Casino Mille Lacs. Xcel Energy remains a partner of the Wild. The new partnership was described by Mille Lacs Band Chief Virgil Wind as an opportunity to "tell our story" beyond its business value.
How do I get to Grand Casino Arena by public transport?Featured
Take the METRO Green Line to Central Station in downtown Saint Paul — a short walk from the arena, with skyway access providing a fully indoor climate-controlled route. From downtown Minneapolis, the Green Line journey takes around 45 minutes. Metro Transit All-Day Pass is approximately $4.25, covering unlimited bus and rail until 2am. Buy via the Metro Transit app or at any station ticket machine.
What is the downtown Saint Paul skyway system?Featured
Downtown Saint Paul's skyway is a 5-mile network of climate-controlled, above-ground indoor walkways connecting hotels, restaurants, parking ramps, and Grand Casino Arena. It is one of the longest such systems in the United States and is particularly valuable for Minnesota Wild games during winter — fans can walk from their hotel or the Green Line's Central Station to the arena without going outside, regardless of weather.
What is the bag policy at Grand Casino Arena?
Grand Casino Arena strongly discourages bringing bags. Small purses are permitted under the bag policy. Walk-through metal detectors are used at all entry points. For Minnesota Wild games, gates open 75 minutes before puck drop — Gate 5 opens 90 minutes early for Club Level and Suite Level holders.
What food and drink is available at Grand Casino Arena for Wild games?
In-arena concessions feature Minnesota-influenced options: walleye bites, wild rice soup, Minnesota beef hotdogs, brats, and Summit Brewing craft beers (Saint Paul's own brewery). The RBC Wealth Management Club Level and OTG Club offer elevated in-seat dining for premium ticket holders. Pre-game, Eagle Street Grille and The Liffey are the most popular fan destinations steps from the arena.
What is the Wild's consecutive sellout record?
Minnesota Wild games at the arena sold out for 400 consecutive home games from the arena's opening in 2000 until October 16, 2010 — one of the most remarkable sustained sell-out streaks in NHL history and a testament to Minnesota's status as the State of Hockey. The arena also set a women's professional hockey attendance record on January 6, 2024, when 13,316 fans attended the Minnesota Frost's PWHL home debut.
Are accessible facilities available at Grand Casino Arena?
Yes. Grand Casino Arena is fully ADA accessible with wheelchair and companion seating on all four levels, elevators throughout, accessible restrooms on every concourse, and designated accessible parking in the RiverCentre Ramp. The downtown skyway system provides step-free, climate-controlled indoor access from the Green Line Central Station. DART Para-transit services also available.
What other teams play at Grand Casino Arena?
Grand Casino Arena is home to the Minnesota Wild (NHL) and Minnesota Frost (PWHL — who set a world women's professional hockey attendance record at their 2024 debut here). Major League Volleyball's Minnesota team is also planned to play at the arena in future. The arena hosts the annual Minnesota State High School Boys' Hockey Tournament — a beloved state tradition that regularly fills the arena.
Where can I buy Minnesota Wild tickets?
Wild tickets are available through Ticketmaster (official marketplace) and the Minnesota Wild official site at nhl.com/wild. The Grand Casino Arena Box Office is at 175 West Kellogg Boulevard (call 651-222-WILD). Mobile tickets are required for entry.
What renovation is planned for Grand Casino Arena?
A $488 million renovation of Grand Casino Arena was approved by the City of Saint Paul and Minnesota Wild in 2025. The City and local partners contribute $200 million; the Wild contributes $238 million plus any cost overruns. The renovation will modernise the 25-year-old facility with upgraded seating, new HVAC and wiring, security and ADA accessibility enhancements, and the addition of public-facing exterior restaurants. The project was described as a "generational opportunity" to transform downtown Saint Paul into a leading entertainment district.
Latest News
Grand Casino Arena Hosts 2025-26 IIHF World Junior Championship
Published
26 December 2025
Article Summary
Grand Casino Arena served as the primary host venue for the IIHF World Junior Championship from December 26, 2025 to January 5, 2026, hosting Team USA's preliminary games and all semifinals and medal games. Downtown Saint Paul was transformed into the Capital of the State of Hockey for the tournament, with Rice Park converted to an outdoor fan zone and the arena drawing global attention as one of the world's great hockey venues.
Xcel Energy Center Renamed Grand Casino Arena in Landmark Mille Lacs Band Partnership
FeaturedPublished
3 September 2025
Article Summary
Xcel Energy Center officially became Grand Casino Arena on September 3, 2025, following a 14-year naming rights agreement with the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe — owners of Grand Casino Hinckley and Grand Casino Mille Lacs. The partnership was announced in June 2025 and represents a historic moment: one of the first major North American sports arena naming rights deals with a Native American Nation. Mille Lacs Band Chief Virgil Wind said the deal was about more than business — it was a chance to tell their story to millions of fans.
$488 Million Renovation Approved for Grand Casino Arena
Published
1 May 2025
Article Summary
The City of Saint Paul and Minnesota Wild agreed on a $488 million renovation programme for Grand Casino Arena in 2025 — described by Wild owner Craig Leipold as a commitment to Saint Paul as the permanent home of Minnesota hockey. The project, funded by the City and local partners ($200M) and the Wild ($238M plus overruns), will fully modernise the 25-year-old arena with upgraded seating, new HVAC and electrical systems, enhanced ADA accessibility, and exterior restaurant additions. The renovation is expected to increase annual local economic impact by $110 million.
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