The National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild and the National Lacrosse League's Minnesota Storm are the Xcel Energy Center's home teams, and fans are rewarded for their loyalty with a superior sporting experience, the sights and sounds of which are built right into the arena's design. This venue caters to the sports fan's fun and convenience by enforcing a family-friendly code of conduct and by offering electric vehicle charging stations, mobile apps for iOS and Android phones, free Wi-Fi, binocular rentals, baby changing areas, a first aid station, and a variety of concession stands, restaurants, and bars offering menu items to suit any taste. Gluten-free concessions are available as are escorts for wheelchair patients. The Hockey Lodge team store sells merchandise for the Minnesota Wild and the North Stars and Fighting Saints professional hockey teams from years past.
Located at 199 West Kellogg Boulevard in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the Xcel Energy Center is easily accessed via I-94 and I-35E. Its 650,000 square feet can accommodate up to 20,000 guests. It was built for $170,000,000 and opened in September 2000 on the former site of the Saint Paul Civic Center Arena. Prepaid passes may be purchased for the two parking areas adjacent to the venue and are guaranteed through Parking Panda. There are other parking areas nearby as well as bicycle racks and a convenient connection to the Metro Transit Bus system. A variety of seating ranges from regular seats to 70+ executive suites, to the Audi Quattro Club's Wild On-the-Glass members-only area for season ticket holders. In addition to snack vendors, guests may also visit a number of lounges and clubs including the private NHL Alumni Lounge.
Xcel Energy Center has hosted many major events for groups like the International Ice Hockey Federation, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, USA Gymnastics, and U.S. Figure Skating Championships. And it has been ranked among the finest sports stadiums in the country, receiving numerous awards from ESPN The Magazine, Forbes Magazine, Hockey Night in Canada, SportsBusiness Journal, Sports Illustrated, and Stadium Journey Magazine. Reviewers and fans alike have repeatedly hailed it as a top choice stadium for sports entertainment.