Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, Minnesota

Xcel Energy is a leader in the Western United States for supplying electricity or energy to homes. The corporation decided to lend their name to the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. The arena is home to the Minnesota Wild which is an NHL team. The facility is also home to the Minnesota Swarm National Lacrosse League.

The Xcel Energy Center opened in 2000 after $130 million was used to create the indoor facility. Populous Architecture Firm, which is popular for many arenas was part of the design team. The operator of the facility is the Minnesota Sports and Entertainment. The owners are the City of St. Paul.

The facility is handily located in the RiverCentre region near the convention facilities, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, and the Roy Wilkins Auditorium. Visitors to the area can find just about any entertainment in a show that they are looking for. The Xcel Center is more than just a sporting facility. They also have musical artists and other shows that will appear from time to time. This location has four spectator levels, with three providing general seating. The last level is a suite level. One level is also for the club level. The official seating capacity is 18,000; however, center stage productions can fit up to 20,500 people. The end stage productions can handle 14,400 people.

The site used for the Xcel Energy Facility used to be the home of the St. Paul Civic Center. The center was demolished due to its age and need for a larger building. In 2004 the sporting center was considered the best sporting venue in the US by ESPN. Another factoid is that in 2007 the 10th million person went through the gates. Being in the Twin Cities makes for a popular stop for most events. Even the 2008 Republican Convention met in the center. Bon Jovi, AC/DC, and the WCW and WWE have hosted shows at the arena.

Events for the 2009/ 2010 season include the Wild versus the Carolina Hurricanes, MSHSL Girl's Volleyball Tournament, Martina McBride and Trace Adkins, Jingle Ball, Disney on Ice, Qwest Tour, Red Baron WCHA Final, and Taylor Swift. Rob Thomas, Women of Faith and the Swarm are other events that will be held in the next year.

Near the Xcel Energy Center are several restaurants to enjoy before a performance. For example the Fabulous Fern's, The Glockenspiel German Restaurant, Liffey Irish Pub, Meritage, and WA Frost and Company are just some of the eateries. Inside the arena are the typical concession options. For instance nachos, pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, sandwiches, salads, popcorn, and cotton candy are offered at various events. Beverages range from Bottled Water, Beer, Wine, Soda to Lemonade and other refreshing options.

Parking is provided at the center. It usually opens a few hours before the performance or sporting event. However, the parking garages and other places nearby are open all the time. There is also the Park Smart option by using the local transportation.