Minnesota Wild
Venue and travel guide
Venue and location
State
MN
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue name
Grand Casino Arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Zip code
55102
Source statement; not independently verified.
Parking
Cheapest
Surrounding downtown Saint Paul ramps/lots (see City of Saint Paul interactive parking map at stpaul.gov); advance booking via ParkWhiz often cheaper than walk-up
Source statement; not independently verified.
Guide url
https://www.grandcasinoarena.com/plan-your-visit/parking
Source statement; not independently verified.
Accessible parking
Accessible parking available at RiverCentre Parking Ramp (skyway-connected) and Kellogg Parking Ramp
Source statement; not independently verified.
Payment
RiverCentre Ramp uses license-plate-reader technology — pay via app, QR code scan, or physical pay station (no paper ticket needed)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Prepaid
Yes — advance guaranteed reservations via ParkWhiz/Arrive for surrounding lots; arena's own ramps are day-of only
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Grand Casino Arena offers multiple parking options including the RiverCentre Parking Ramp (connected via skyway), the Lawson Ramp, the Kellogg Ramp, and several surface lots. Pre-paid parking available. Event rates range from $10-$25. ADA parking in all ramps.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Public transport
METRO Green Line light rail (Central Station) plus multiple Metro Transit bus routes serve downtown Saint Paul; skyway connects nearby buildings
Source statement; not independently verified.
Tailgating
N/A — indoor arena (downtown street/ramp setting; no tailgating)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Traffic
Arena sits between I-94 and I-35E. Road Closure Alert: MnDOT Hwy 280 reconstruction between I-94 and Hwy 36/I-35W, major work April–August 2026 — expect detours
Source statement; not independently verified.
Types
Two connected ramps — RiverCentre Parking Ramp (150 W. Kellogg Blvd, skyway-connected) and Kellogg Parking Ramp; numerous additional downtown ramps/lots nearby
Source statement; not independently verified.
Public transportation
Airport connection
Route 54 bus and Green Line connections link MSP Airport to downtown Saint Paul; by car, ~8 miles via Hwy 5 and I-35E
Source statement; not independently verified.
App
Metro Transit app and online Trip Planner at metrotransit.org
Source statement; not independently verified.
Best option
METRO Green Line to Central Station, then short walk (often via skyway in winter)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Bus routes
Multiple Metro Transit routes serve downtown Saint Paul, including Route 54 (to/from MSP Airport and the Mall of America)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Ferry
N/A — none
Source statement; not independently verified.
Nearest station
Central Station (METRO Green Line), in downtown Saint Paul, a short walk from the arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Metro Transit Green Line light rail: Central Station is a 10-minute walk from the arena. Multiple Metro Transit bus routes serve downtown St. Paul. The arena is a 20-25 minute walk from St. Paul Union Depot (Amtrak). Metro Transit fare: $2.00-$2.50.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Rail lines
METRO Green Line light rail (connects downtown Saint Paul and downtown Minneapolis)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Tips
Downtown Saint Paul's climate-controlled skyway system (5 miles, color-coded) connects buildings near the arena — useful in cold weather
Source statement; not independently verified.
Walking distance
Central Station is roughly a 5–10 minute walk to the arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Shuttles
Accessibility
N/A — no official arena shuttle published (Metro Transit provides accessible bus/rail service)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Cost
N/A — no official arena shuttle published
Source statement; not independently verified.
Dropoff
N/A — no official arena shuttle published
Source statement; not independently verified.
Frequency
N/A — no official arena shuttle published
Source statement; not independently verified.
Notes
Use Metro Transit Trip Planner (metrotransit.org) for bus/light-rail connections
Source statement; not independently verified.
Operator
N/A — no official arena shuttle published
Source statement; not independently verified.
Pickup
N/A — no official arena shuttle published
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
No dedicated shuttle service. The arena is located in downtown St. Paul with easy walking access to restaurants and hotels. Metro Transit bus routes serve the area extensively.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Routes
No dedicated arena shuttle published; Metro Transit bus/light rail is the promoted transit option
Source statement; not independently verified.
Schedule
N/A — no official arena shuttle published
Source statement; not independently verified.
Bicycles
Overview
Nice Ride bike-share stations located near the arena on Kellogg Boulevard and throughout downtown St. Paul. Bike racks available on the arena plaza.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Rack locations
Bike racks located around the arena; see official Bike Rack Map (grandcasinoarena.com — ParkSmartMap_BikeRacks_2025 PDF)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Share station
Saint Paul/Twin Cities bike share stations are located in downtown Saint Paul near the arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Tips
Consult the arena's Bike Rack Map before arriving; skyway access is foot-traffic only
Source statement; not independently verified.
Accessibility
Accessible parking
Accessible parking at RiverCentre Parking Ramp (skyway-connected) and Kellogg Parking Ramp; accessible seating/parking bookable via Ticketmaster and the Box Office
Source statement; not independently verified.
Assistive listening
Free Telex Assisted Listening System headsets/receivers at Guest Services (section 104/105) and Suite Concierge desk (Gate 5); ID required. Closed captioning at all Wild games on east/west scoreboard ends
Source statement; not independently verified.
Contact
Guest Services 651-726-8200 or guestservices@wild.com; Box Office (accessible seating) 651-726-8240; Suite Services 651-726-8300
Source statement; not independently verified.
Dropoff
Southeast entrance (Gate 1), 175 W. Kellogg Blvd; event-day options also at Gate 4 (5th St) and Rice Park entrance (145 W. 4th St)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Elevators
Elevators located throughout the arena, accessing all public areas
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
The arena offers a bariatric chair (29.5"W x 21"D, steel frame, 700 lb capacity) for use on ADA platforms
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Grand Casino Arena is fully ADA-compliant. Accessible seating on all levels. All entrances are wheelchair accessible. Elevators serve every level. The skyway system provides accessible indoor access. Assistive listening devices and sensory kits at Guest Services.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Restrooms
All restrooms are accessible; single-user restrooms near sections 107, 121, suite 58, C35, and 225
Source statement; not independently verified.
Sensory
Sensory kits provided via partnership with the Autism Society of Minnesota (AUSM), available at Guest Services (section 105); complimentary ear plugs and loaner ear muffs; a Wild-game Social Narrative is available
Source statement; not independently verified.
Service animals
Trained service animals permitted; must stay leashed/harnessed and rest in the guest's seating area. Other animals prohibited
Source statement; not independently verified.
Wheelchair seating
Accessible/disabled seating available on all levels of the arena; wheelchair escorts available on request
Source statement; not independently verified.
Food and vendors
Craft beer
Yes — multiple bars including the Michelob Golden Light Taphouse (near Gate 4/section 120) and the Bud Light Top Shelf Lounge
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
Concourse walls display hockey jerseys from every Minnesota high school, reflecting the "State of Hockey."
Source statement; not independently verified.
Notable stands
Michelob Golden Light Taphouse; Bud Light Top Shelf Lounge; club/suite dining on the RBC Wealth Management Club Level and Old National Bank Suite Level
Source statement; not independently verified.
Parking Apps Accepted
ParkWhiz/Arrive for advance parking; RiverCentre Ramp accepts app and QR-code payment
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Grand Casino Arena features a Minnesota-focused food program with local favorites, wild rice dishes, craft beer from Minnesota breweries, and premium dining. The Hockey Lodge Team Store is on the main concourse.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue history
Architect
HOK Sport (now Populous); general contractor Mortenson/Thor; structural engineer Geiger Engineers
Source statement; not independently verified.
Construction cost
~US$170 million (built on the site of the demolished St. Paul Civic Center)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Famous moments
Hosted 2008 Republican National Convention; 2004 NHL All-Star Game; NCAA Frozen Four (2002, 2011, 2018, 2024); 2004 Vote for Change Tour (Bruce Springsteen, R.E.M., et al.)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
Four corner "crow's nests" feature an organ, a lighthouse with a foghorn (blasted on entrance, every Wild/Frost goal, and after wins), a DJ booth, and an additional stage
Source statement; not independently verified.
Original capacity
18,064 for ice hockey (2000–2012)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Original name
Xcel Energy Center (2000–2025)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Opened September 29, 2000 as Xcel Energy Center. The arena quickly earned a reputation as one of the best hockey venues in North America, known as 'The X.' Hosted the 2008 Republican National Convention and multiple NHL and NCAA events. Renamed Grand Casino Arena under a new naming rights agreement.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Records
Jan. 6, 2024 — 13,316 fans for the Minnesota Frost (PWHL) home debut, then a world record for a pro women's hockey game; arena concert record 20,554 (Shania Twain, Oct. 28, 2003)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Renovations
Center-ice video board replaced (2014); all seats replaced with cushioned seating (2015–early 2016); LEED Platinum (2019), Green Globes (2017) and EIC SES Gold (2020) certified campus. Renamed Grand Casino Arena (Sept. 3, 2025)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue details
Climate
Indoor, climate-controlled arena; ~650,000 sq ft; shares a block and indoor access with Saint Paul RiverCentre and Roy Wilkins Auditorium
Source statement; not independently verified.
Elevation
Saint Paul, MN sits at roughly 700 ft above sea level (city elevation)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Levels
Four spectator levels — one suite level plus three general-seating levels
Source statement; not independently verified.
Premium
Old National Bank Suite Level, RBC Wealth Management Club Level, Bud Light Top Shelf Lounge (loge boxes), Loge Member Area, and On-the-Glass club seats
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Hockey seating capacity: 18,064. Ice surface: 200 ft × 85 ft. The arena is consistently rated among the top NHL venues for fan experience and sightlines.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Scoreboard
Daktronics center-hung LED scoreboard (center-ice display replaced 2014); ~1,100 ft of ribbon fascia displays; largest of 10 LED screens ~37.5 ft x 19 ft
Source statement; not independently verified.
Shared tenants
Minnesota Frost (PWHL, 2024–present); MLV Minnesota (Major League Volleyball, 2027–future); formerly Minnesota Swarm (NLL, 2005–2015) and Minnesota Lynx (WNBA, 2016–2017 playoffs/season)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Surface
Standard NHL ice sheet (200 ft x 85 ft); multi-surface, multipurpose floor
Source statement; not independently verified.