Allianz Field
Saint Paul, United States
About this place
History of the arena
Grand Casino Arena opened in 2000 in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota, on the site of the former St. Paul Civic Center. The venue was developed as a modern large-capacity arena for professional sports and major events, and it quickly became a central landmark of the city’s entertainment district.
Former name and rebranding
For most of its history, the building was known as Xcel Energy Center and widely nicknamed “The X” by fans. In 2025, the arena adopted the name Grand Casino Arena through a naming rights agreement, marking a new era while maintaining the same identity as Saint Paul’s main indoor sports venue.
Architecture and design
The arena features a modern multi-tier indoor bowl designed primarily for ice hockey, with a suite level and additional seating levels for general admission. Seating is arranged to keep spectators close to the ice, with strong sightlines and an enclosed structure that supports a loud, energetic atmosphere.
Capacity and configurations
For ice hockey, Grand Casino Arena has an official capacity of roughly 18,000 spectators, with capacity varying slightly depending on configuration and event setup. Concert layouts can significantly change the available seating, allowing the arena to host both end-stage and center-stage productions.
Tenants and sports usage
The arena is the home venue of the Minnesota Wild and regularly hosts top-level professional ice hockey. It also hosts additional sports depending on scheduling, including women’s professional hockey and other indoor sporting events configured for the arena floor.
Location and matchday experience
Located in downtown Saint Paul, the arena sits within a cluster of major venues and city attractions, creating a strong event-night atmosphere. The central location supports easy access, strong pre-game activity and a distinctive big-arena feeling for both hockey and concerts.
