Xcel Energy Center Analysis: Key Developments & Outlook

Xcel Energy Center: 🔥 Peak Popularity (100/100) | RankUpTrends

Xcel Energy Center

This analysis was updated on July 28, 2025 to incorporate the latest information and developments.

Current Trend Status: 🔥 Peak Popularity (100/100)

Introduction & Background

Why is everyone talking about Xcel Energy Center? From its origins to the latest developments, we unpack the story behind the trend.

Xcel Energy Center (to be renamed Grand Casino Arena, September 3, 2025) is a multipurpose arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States. Completed in 2000 and often called "The X" by fans, it is named for its locally based corporate sponsor Xcel Energy. With an official capacity of 17,954, the arena has four spectator levels: one suite level and three for general seating. The building is home to the NHL's Minnesota Wild and the Minnesota Frost of the PWHL. The arena is owned by the city of Saint Paul and operated by the Wild's parent company, Minnesota Sports & Entertainment.

Key Analysis & Context

History

The arena opened on September 29, 2000. It was built on the site of the demolished St. Paul Civic Center. The push for a new arena in Saint Paul grew after the National Hockey League's Minnesota North Stars moved to Dallas. Saint Paul courted the Hartford Whalers and Winnipeg Jets under Mayor Norm Coleman, but the Civic Center was an obstacle to both deals.

Features

The concourse areas contain hockey jerseys from every Minnesota high school on the walls, reflecting the "State of Hockey." Surrounding the arena at all four corners are "crow's nests." One features an organ and is played during Wild games.

Attendance records

January 6, 2024: 13,316 fans attended the Minnesota Frost's Professional Women's Hockey League home debut, setting a new record for the largest crowd to attend a professional women's hockey game. The previous record had been set only five days earlier at a sold-out PWHL game in Ottawa, Canada.

Sustainability efforts

The campus of Xcel Energy Center, Saint Paul RiverCentre, and The Roy Wilkins Auditorium has three world-class certifications: Green Globes Certification – November 2017 LEED Platinum Certification – September 2019 Event Industry Council (EIC) Sustainable Event Standards (SES) – Gold Certification – November 2020 The Xcel Energy Center and Saint Paul RiverCentre campus is the world's first compl.

Sports

Xcel Energy Center is a hub for sports events in the Midwest. In 2004, ESPN named the arena the best overall sports venue in the U.S. It hosted the NCAA Frozen Four tournament in 2002, 2011, 2018, and 2024. The National Lacrosse League's Minnesota Swarm played in the arena from January 2005 until they moved to Georgia in 2015.

Concerts

Various music artists have held concerts at the arena since its opening in 2000. Some of these include 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.

Funding

In 1998, the state made a $65 million interest-free loan toward construction of the $130 million arena, $17 million of which was forgiven when the team agreed to allow amateur and public events. That left a loan of $48 million. In 2013, the state legislature passed an omnibus jobs, housing and commerce bill that included forgiveness of the remaining $32.7 million loan to Xcel Energy Center.

See also

List of indoor arenas by capacity

External links

Xcel Energy Center official website

📰 Latest Developments & News Updates

Watch Ghost Perform “Lachryma” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

This recent development highlights the ongoing relevance of Xcel Energy Center in current events and demonstrates why this subject continues to capture public attention.

Watch GHOST Rip Through "Lachryma" On The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

This recent development highlights the ongoing relevance of Xcel Energy Center in current events and demonstrates why this subject continues to capture public attention.

Xcel’s plan for future energy generation raises concerns about a sizable impact on ratepayers

This recent development highlights the ongoing relevance of Xcel Energy Center in current events and demonstrates why this subject continues to capture public attention.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Wild, Frost home renamed Grand Casino Arena?

The Xcel Energy Center, home of the NHL's Minnesota Wild and PWHL's Minnesota Frost, will now be known as Grand Casino Arena starting in September.

How does Watch Ghost Perform “Lachryma” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon relate to current events?

I mean, that's the right choice. The post Watch Ghost Perform “Lachryma” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon appeared first on MetalSucks.

Why is Wild now play at Grand Casino Arena after new naming rights deal succeeds Xcel Energy Center important to understand?

The Minnesota Wild will play the upcoming season at Grand Casino Arena, after a naming rights deal with the tribal gaming and hospitality company that succeeds the venue's original name, Xcel Energy Center. The Wild's parent organization, Minnesota Sports and…

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