Grand Casino Arena (long known as the Xcel Energy Center) sits in downtown St. Paul, near Rice Park in the heart of the city. Home to the Minnesota Wild and one of the best hockey atmospheres in the league (this is the State of Hockey) it's walkable and easy. Bundle up for the Minnesota winter.
Getting There
Fly into Minneapolis–St. Paul (MSP), roughly 15–20 minutes from downtown St. Paul. You'll drive or rideshare in.
The arena is downtown and walkable from downtown St. Paul hotels; most fans walk or rideshare.
Where to Stay
Downtown St. Paul puts you within walking distance of the arena and Rice Park — the ideal base.
Minneapolis is a short drive away if you want a bigger-city base and more options.
Parking & When to Arrive
There are ramps and lots downtown, and prepaid is smart, but downtown St. Paul is walkable if you're staying central.
Roof & Climate
Yes, indoor arena, fully enclosed and climate controlled year-round.
Grand Casino Arena is a fully enclosed, climate-controlled indoor arena. Arenas run cool, especially NHL buildings where the ice holds the bowl temperature down. Bring a layer even in summer.
Where Visiting Fans Sit
It's a comfortable arena with excellent sightlines and no obstructed views, and it's loud — a genuine hockey crowd.
Lower-bowl seats are pricier while the upper deck is good value. Wild crowds are passionate but fine for visiting fans.
Food & What to Bring
Get Juicy Lucys and Minnesota staples alongside the arena standards.
Check the bag policy, as arena clear-bag or small-bag rules usually apply. It's indoors, but dress warmly for the walk in the cold.
Comparing parks? We checked bag policies at all 30 MLB ballparks.
The Pregame Scene
Downtown St. Paul around Rice Park has bars and restaurants within a walk for the pregame.
For more, Minneapolis is a short drive away with additional nightlife.
Insider Tips
Stay downtown St. Paul and walk — compact and easy. Bundle up for the Minnesota cold.
Enjoy one of the best hockey atmospheres in the league — passionate but welcoming. Pair it with the Twin Cities.
Build your Grand Casino Arena trip
Choose each piece: flights into MSP, a hotel in downtown St. Paul near the arena, Wild tickets, and a rental car if you want it (downtown is walkable). Save it to My trips to keep your dates. Nothing books until you're ready.