Xcel Energy Center

Minnesota Wild (NHL since 2000) Minnesota Swarm ( NLL, since 2005)

The Xcel Energy Center is a sports arena in Saint Paul in the U.S. state of Minnesota, sponsored by the power company Xcel Energy. It is the home stadium of the NHL clubs Minnesota Wild and the Minnesota Swarm of the National Lacrosse League.

The arena has four spectator levels: the suite level and three normal levels, with the name of the 100 level, the club level and the 200 level. The official capacity of the stadium is 18,064, however, an absolute record crowd of 19,434 was reached during NHL All-Star Game in 2004. The record crowd at a game the Wilds of 19,398 spectators on 5 October 2005, the first game after the 2004/ 05 lockout season. The Arena is located to this day in the possession of the city of Saint Paul.

The official opening of the Xcel Energy Center, which is named among the fans just the X, took place in autumn 2000. It is located on the site of the demolished St. Paul Civic Center. 2004, the arena from the sports channel ESPN was named the best sports venue in the United States.

Use

In addition to the professional league operation even college sport is played in the arena: So the X is the home of the ice hockey team of the Minnesota High School as well as host of the Minnesota State High School Volleyball League. In addition, the 2002 NCAA Frozen Four Hockey Tournament was held at the Xcel Energy Center. 2011, the arena will host this tournament again.

In addition to sporting events at the stadium also regular concerts held in 2008 also was the Republican National Convention, the Republican convention to nominate presidential candidate, performed in Saint Paul's Sports Arena. Prior to this event, the hall was closed in preparation for six months.

Gallery

Lacrosse game at Xcel Energy Center

Interior view of the arena during the Republican Party in 2008