Step Inside: Grand Casino Arena – Home of the Minnesota Wild

Home of the Minnesota Wild

Grand Casino Arena is home to the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League and the Minnesota Frost of the PWHL. Located in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota at 199 W Kellogg Blvd, the arena is situated just north of Irvine Park and the banks of the Mississippi River.

Owned by the City of St. Paul, the arena was built on the same city block as the St. Paul RiverCentre, the Roy Wilkins Auditorium and the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts.

Below, explore Grand Casino Arena, including the stadium’s history, parking and admission, and capacity and seating options, as well as food and beverage options inside the arena.

Grand Casino Arena History

Grand Casino Arena opened in September 2000 to replace the St. Paul Civic Center, which had been demolished following the NHL’s Minnesota Stars relocation to Dallas, Texas.

The Minnesota Wild played their first game in the arena on September 29, 2000 in a pre-season match against the Anaheim Ducks. The team reached their first Stanley Cup playoffs a few seasons later in 2003, with the first two games of the Western Conference finals being played in the arena. The following year, the venue hosted the NHL All-Star Game for the first time.

Since 2018, it’s also served as the host venue for the National Collegiate Hockey Conference’s Frozen Faceoff. In 2023, the Minnesota Frost of the Professional Women’s Hockey League began using the venue as their home arena. Their inaugural home game on January 6, 2024 set a new attendance record for a pro women’s hockey game, with more than 13,000 fans packing the stands to cheer on the team.

The multi-purpose indoor arena has also attracted huge tours to Minnesota by the likes of Lady Gaga, Imagine Dragons, Olivia Rodrigo, Ariana Grande, Post Malone, Beyoncé, Madonna, Elton John and more. Taylor Swift and Prince share the record for the most consecutive sold-out shows at the venue with three each. Meanwhile, Shania Twain set the arena’s all-time record for a concert with 20,554 fans attending her 2003 Queen of Me Tour.

 

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Other major events in the complex’s history include a 2004 Vote for Change tour stop featuring performances by Bright Eyes, R.E.M., Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, John Fogerty and Neil Young; the 2008 Republican National Convention; multiple iterations of the NCAA Frozen Four; the 2016 WNBA Playoffs and more.

Previously known as Xcel Energy Center, the venue was renamed to Grand Casino Arena in September 2025.

Parking and Admission at Grand Casino Arena

Advance parking at Grand Casino Arena is available for purchase using the ParkWhiz app. However, event day parking on the RiverCentre and Kellogg parking ramps directly connected to the complex is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Drop-off and pick-up for various rideshare services is located at Gate 4 at the stadium’s northeast corner. Additional public parking ramps and lots are located throughout downtown St. Paul.

Grand Casino Arena Capacity & Seating Options

Grand Casino Arena has a total capacity of 20,554, split between four spectator levels: a lower level, upper level, suites and a club level. Concerts at the arena also typically include floor seating. A seating chart for Grand Casino Arena can be viewed on Ticketmaster.

How much are Minnesota Wild tickets?

Ticket prices for Minnesota Wild games depend on a variety of factors, including date and time, city, matchup, seat location, and when the tickets are purchased. The average ticket for a Minnesota Wild game can cost anywhere between $75-$200.