Xcel Energy Center is a famous sports stadium located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA. It is sponsored by Xcel Energy and is the home ice for the NHL's Minnesota Wild. It comprises of four spectator levels. Out of these four one is the suite level whereas other three are general seating levels called the 100 level, the club level, and the 200 level. Its official capacity is 18,834. However, it set a new record for attendance at a Minnesota hockey game at 19,398 on October 5, 2005. This Stadium is in the ownership of the city of Saint Paul. It opened in the fall of 2000 plus it is known as the "X" by fans. It was constructed on the site of the wrecked St. Paul Civic Center. In the year of 2004, Xcel Energy Center was awarded as the best overall sports venue in the United States by the leading Sports Channel, ESPN.


The Xcel Energy Stadium called The "X" has become very popular in holding in the leading Sports Events. Minnesota Boys' High School Hockey Tournament as well as Minnesota State High School League-sponsored volleyball state tournament is played here. It hosted the 2002 NCAA Frozen Four and will do so again in 2011. Moreover, Xcel Energy Center is frequently sold out for musical concerts. The National Lacrosse League's Minnesota Swarm started habitual season play in the arena in January, 2005. Both Minneapolis and St. Paul are jointly bidding to host the 2008 Democratic National Convention and the 2008 Republican National Convention. Perhaps the Democrats desire Minneapolis/St. Paul, the main convention events will be held at the Xcel Energy Center. The GOP has not declared yet that which venue would host the convention, though other considerations are the Metrodome and the Target Center. The Xcel Energy will also host the 2008 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.


The X Stadium provides all the necessary facilities for its spectators that has further raised the popularity of this wonderful sport's avenue. It has taken care of the refreshments of the spectators who use to come to this splendid stadium to enjoy the games by managing some superb eating shops. The People enjoy both the sports and the delicious eatables. Iron Range Bar & Grill is a hockey theme sports bar, situated near the gate 4 at Section 120 on the 100 Level of the stadium. The Iron Range Grill offers a full menu counting hamburgers, chicken tenders, soup and sandwiches, and many other eatables. It also contains a bar serving a full selection of liquor, beer, and wine. It opens two hours prior to all Wild games and also on many other ocassions in the building. Then there is Headwaters Bar and Restaurant that is a first class dining facility, situated on the St. Paul Club Level in Section C2-C7. However, In Order to get access to this place , The Premium sea ticket ( Club, Suite or OTG) is the basic requirment for entry.


It is important to mention here that high tech technology is used to keep the stadium up-to-date. The suites at Xcel Energy Center and the Fishing Lodge contain new Apple Cinema HD Displays and PowerBook G4 notebooks to facilitate viewing of high-resolution game day video and photographs. And there is also a new multimedia intranet at the Center that allows expanded web browsing capabilities for suite holders involving the highlights of past Xcel Energy Center events and more. In order to supply on-site business center to aid with all the document needs, The Minnesota Wild has partnered with IKON Management Services. Few of the services count: Copying, Printing, Scanning & Finishing. The IKON Business Center is situated directly across from Gate #5 and is open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and also through out all Minnesota Wild home games until 7:00 PM.


The provision of all the wonderful facilities and the introduction of the most modern technology has made a Xcel Energy center, a magnificient stadium. The comfort of the general public especially the families have been taken a great care of. There are baby Changing stations in all public restrooms for the families who use to enjoy the sports in the X Arena. Moreover, families Restrooms are also available on all levels of the arena. Another great thing, For a lot of events children younger than two years of age are exempted for any ticket especially those held on the lap of an accompanying adult. Fold-up strollers should be stored under your seat while non-folding strollers should be checked at Guest Services, located at Section 104/105, on the 100 Level. A room in the RiverCentre Complex can be available for parents or chaperones of children who desire to be near to the concert their children are attending. The Family Room is very homely with a television to watch. The booking of the family room must be requested at least two weeks before the event. However, It is not not available for all the events.

For more information about Xcel Energy Center visit: http://venues.ixs.net/venues/Xcel-Energy-Center/index.aspx


Heidi Grumm hosts http://venues.ixs.net/venues.aspx and expresses her passion for events through writing and discussion. She works for Less Corporation at http://www.wicked-on-broadway.com/ Copyright Heidi Grumm