Once upon a time, in the heart of St. Paul, Minnesota, there arose a structure that would soon become the beating heart of the city’s entertainment scene. This place wasn’t just any building; it was the Xcel Energy Center, affectionately known as “The X”. Imagine a venue where roaring crowds cheer for their favorite hockey teams, where music legends belt out tunes that give you goosebumps, and where memories are made at every corner. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a concert lover, or someone just seeking a night out, The X has a story for you. Join me as we dive into this iconic venue and discover what makes it so special to countless hearts.

History

The Xcel Energy Center, often called “The X,” is a special place in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Here’s a fun timeline of its history:

• 1998: Excitement bubbled in Saint Paul! On June 23, they started building The X.
• 2000: Big celebration! On September 29, our Minnesota Wild hockey team played their first game against the Mighty Ducks and won 3-1. Go, Wild!
• 2002: The X welcomed college hockey’s big event, the NCAA Frozen Four.
• 2003: Wow moment! ESPN said The X was the “Best Sports Place in the U.S.”.
• 2005: Lacrosse fans cheered! The Minnesota Swarm played here.
• 2008: Politicians arrived! The Republican National Convention was at The X.
• 2011: A busy year! College hockey’s Frozen Four was back, and the Girls Volleyball State Tournament happened too.
• 2016: Figure skating magic! The U.S. Figure Skating Championships took place here.
• Today: The X is buzzing! The Minnesota Wild hockey team plays here, and over 150 fun events happen every year.

Isn’t it amazing how much has happened at The X? 

Architect

Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA, is home to the Xcel Energy Center, also known as The X. Here is some information about the architecture of the Xcel Energy Center based on the search results:

• Architectural Firm: The Xcel Energy Center was designed by HOK Sports Facilities Group.
• Opened: On September 29, 2000, the Xcel Energy Center opened its doors.
• Seating Capacity: The Xcel Energy Center has an official capacity of 17,954.
• Spectator Levels: The arena has four spectator levels: one suite level and three for general seating.
• Seating Levels: The Xcel Energy Center has four seating levels plus a press level. These levels are the event floor level, lower seating level, Bremer Bank Suite level, RBC Wealth Management Club level, and upper seating level.
• Press Box Level: The press box level is named after Al Shaver, a former Minnesota North Stars broadcaster.
• Sustainability: The Xcel Energy Center has partnered with the NHL to join Change the Course, a national initiative promoting water conservation and restoration. The center has also produced Exceptionally Green: Minnesota Wild, Saint Paul RiverCentre and Xcel Energy Center to highlight its achievements in sustainability.

Overall, the Xcel Energy Center was designed by HOK Sports Facilities Group and has an official capacity of 17,954. The arena has four spectator levels and four seating levels plus a press level. The Xcel Energy Center has also made efforts to promote sustainability and water conservation.

Facilities and Amenities

A multi-purpose arena, the Xcel Energy Center is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA. The center is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and comfortable environment for all guests, and provides amenities that enhance the guest experience. Here are some of the facilities and amenities at the Xcel Energy Center:

• Guest Services: The Xcel Energy Center has three Guest Services desks located on the 100 level at section 105, the RBC Wealth Management Club Level at section C9, and the 200 level at section 206. The desks are staffed with knowledgeable representatives who can assist guests with their questions and concerns. Guests can also contact Guest Services by phone or email.
• Family Restrooms: On each level of the arena, families and guests who require caregiver assistance can use the family restrooms.
• Tours: Tours of the center allow guests to see what goes on behind the scenes of the facility. Tours of the center include State of Hockey exhibits and musical tributes, the Al Shaver Press Box, premium seating areas, the event level, and more.
• Catering: Levy Restaurants provides catering services at the Xcel Energy Center. The catering services are luxurious and spacious with amenities rivaling any facility.
• Parking: The Xcel Energy Center has several parking options available for guests, including on-site parking and nearby parking ramps.
• Seating: There are four seating levels at Xcel Energy Center, plus a press level. These levels are the event floor level, lower seating level, Bremer Bank Suite level, RBC Wealth Management Club level, and upper seating level.
• Al Shaver Press Box: The press box level is named after Al Shaver, a former Minnesota North Stars broadcaster.
• Sustainability: The Xcel Energy Center has partnered with the NHL to join Change the Course, a national initiative promoting water conservation and restoration. The center has also produced Exceptionally Green: Minnesota Wild, Saint Paul RiverCentre and Xcel Energy Center to highlight its achievements in sustainability

Location

Xcel Energy Center

How to Get There

Here are some ways to get to the Xcel Energy Center based on the search results:

By Car:

• In the heart of downtown Saint Paul, the Xcel Energy Center is located at the corner of West Kellogg Boulevard and West 7th Street.
• From the North: Take I-35E south and exit on Wacouta. Turn right on W. 7th Street. Turn left on Kellogg Boulevard.
• From the South: Take I-35 north to the Kellogg Boulevard exit. Turn right on Kellogg Boulevard.
• From the East: Take I-94 west to the Mounds Blvd/Kellogg Blvd exit 243. Turn left on Kellogg Boulevard.
• From the West: Take I-94 east and exit on 5th Street. Turn right on W. 7th Street. Turn left on Kellogg Boulevard.
• Visitors can use navigation apps such as Waze to get real-time driving directions based on live traffic updates and road conditions.

By Public Transportation:

The Xcel Energy Center is easy to access from several Metro Transit bus lines and the light rail Green Line servicing the downtown Saint Paul area. Visitors can take the bus or light rail to the center. 

Opening Hours

Here is some information on the opening hours of the Xcel Energy Center:

• Box Office Hours: Box office hours are available near the southeast entrance to Xcel Energy Center (Gate 1). The box office regular hours are Monday – Friday from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. and closed on Saturday and Sunday. On event days, the box office opens four hours prior to the ticketed event time. Credit cards are the only form of payment accepted at the box office.
• Office Hours: The Xcel Energy Center office hours are Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m..
• Event Hours: More than 150 sporting, concert, and entertainment events take place at the Xcel Energy Center each year. The opening hours of the center may vary depending on the event schedule. 
• Guest Services Hours: Visitors can contact Guest Services by phone (651-726-8200) or email (guestservices@xcelenergycenter.com). Guest Services is located on the 100 level of the arena near section 105. On event days, the desk opens four hours prior to the ticketed event time.

Major Events 

The Xcel Energy Center is a popular venue for sports events, concerts, and entertainment shows. Here are some of the major events at the Xcel Energy Center:

1. Minnesota Wild hockey games
2. St. Thomas vs. Minnesota Men’s & Women’s Hockey
3. Luke Bryan concert
4. Rod Wave concert
5. Queen + Adam Lambert concert
6. Peter Gabriel concert
7. Minnesota Swarm lacrosse games

Upcoming Events

Here are some upcoming events at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA:

• Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars (October 7, 2023)
• Minnesota Wild vs. Florida Panthers (October 12, 2023)
• Minnesota Wild vs. Los Angeles Kings (October 19, 2023)
• Minnesota Wild vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (October 21, 2023)
• Minnesota Wild vs. Edmonton Oilers (October 24, 2023)
• Queen + Adam Lambert – The Rhapsody Tour (October 27, 2023)
• Queen + Adam Lambert – The Rhapsody Tour (October 28, 2023)
• Tool (October 31, 2023)
• George Strait & Chris Stapleton (November 4, 2023)
• Eagles – The Long Goodbye (November 17, 2023)
• Eagles – The Long Goodbye (November 18, 2023)
• Jonas Brothers: FIVE ALBUMS (November 19, 2023)

Initiatives for sustainability

The arena has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including:

• Energy efficiency: The Xcel Energy Center has made a number of energy efficiency upgrades, such as installing new LED lighting and energy-efficient HVAC systems. These upgrades have helped to reduce the arena’s energy consumption by 20%.
• Water conservation: At the Xcel Energy Center, low-flow toilets and faucets were installed as part of a water conservation program. These measures have helped to reduce the arena’s water consumption by 15%.
• Waste reduction: Composting food waste and recycling materials have been implemented at the Xcel Energy Center. As a result of these initiatives, the arena sends to landfills by 50%.
• Renewable energy: 100% of Xcel Energy Center’s electricity is generated from renewable sources. This includes wind, solar, and hydroelectric power.
• Sustainable transportation: The Xcel Energy Center encourages visitors to take public transportation, biking, and walking. The arena also offers electric vehicle charging stations.

Additionally, the Xcel Energy Center is a member of the Green Sports Alliance. Sports teams and venues can reduce their environmental impact by joining the Green Sports Alliance, a non-profit organization.

The Xcel Energy Center is a leader in sustainability among sports venues. The arena’s sustainability initiatives have helped to make it a more environmentally friendly place for events.

Costs and Earnings

• Construction Cost: The construction cost of the Xcel Energy Center was $170 million.
• Naming Rights: Xcel Energy Inc. paid $3 million a year for 25 years for the naming rights of the arena.
• Energy Costs: Sustainability and energy cost reduction have been emphasized at the Xcel Energy Center. For example, the center has upgraded its lighting system to save almost $20,000 per year in energy costs.
• Revenue: The Xcel Energy Center is the site of more than 150 sporting and entertainment events each year. The center generates revenue from ticket sales, concessions, merchandise sales, and other sources.
• Expenses: Running a large arena incurs expenses related to maintenance, utilities, staffing, and other costs.
• Profit: As a privately owned facility, Xcel Energy Center’s financial information is not publicly accessible. However, the center generates revenue from hosting events and incurs expenses related to running the facility. An organization’s profit or loss is determined by its revenue minus its expenses

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Stadium’s Future

The Xcel Energy Center (The X) in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA, has a bright future. Currently, the arena is undergoing a major renovation project that is expected to be completed in 2024. The renovation will update the arena’s infrastructure and improve its accessibility. It will also add new amenities, such as a new restaurant and a new VIP area.

Once the renovation is complete, the X is expected to continue to be one of the most popular event venues in the Midwest. It will be able to host a wider range of events and attract even more visitors.

Here are some specific ways that the Xcel Center’s future is looking bright:

• The renovation will make the arena more sustainable and environmentally friendly. This is important to the city of Saint Paul, which has a strong commitment to sustainability.
• As a result of the renovation, the arena will also be more accessible to people with disabilities. This is important to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the events that are held at the Xcel Center.
• The new amenities will make the Xcel Center a more attractive venue for event organizers and attendees alike. The new restaurant will provide a place for people to dine before or after events, and the new VIP area will offer a more exclusive experience for high-end guests.

In addition to the renovation, the Xcel Center is also well-positioned to attract major events in the future. The arena is located in a major metropolitan area with a strong economy. It is also easily accessible by car, public transportation, and air.

Overall, the future of the Xcel Energy Center looks very bright. The renovation and its strong location will make it one of the most popular event venues in the Midwest for many years to come.

Here are some specific events that the Xcel Center could potentially attract in the future:

• Major concerts and sporting events
• Political conventions and other large gatherings
• Trade shows and exhibitions
• E-sports tournaments and other gaming events

The Xcel Center is a world-class venue that can host a variety of events. With the renovation underway, the arena is poised to become even more popular and successful in the future.

As our journey through the timeline of The X wraps up, isn’t it fascinating to see how one venue in Saint Paul has been the backdrop to so many memories? From hockey games to big concerts, and figure skating to political conventions, The Xcel Energy Center has truly been a shining star of Minnesota. So next time you hear the roar of a crowd or the beat of a song echoing from its walls, remember the rich tapestry of stories that The X has to tell. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always a new chapter waiting for you at this special place. Until next time, keep making memories!

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