Xcel Energy Center facts for kids
| The X | |
 |
|
| Location | 199 Kellogg Blvd W, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102 |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 44°56′41″N 93°6′4″W / 44.94472°N 93.10111°W |
| Owner | City of St. Paul |
| Operator | Minnesota Sports & Entertainment |
| Capacity | Ice hockey / Lacrosse: 18,064 (18,568 with standing room) Concerts:
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| Surface | Multi-surface |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 2000 |
| Construction cost | $130 million USD |
| Architect | Populous |
| Tenants | |
| Minnesota Wild (NHL) (2000–present) Minnesota Swarm (NLL) (2005–2015) |
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The Xcel Energy Center, often called The X, is a large building in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It is a multi-purpose arena, which means it can be used for many different events. A company called Xcel Energy helps to sponsor it.
This arena is the home of the Minnesota Wild, a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League (NHL). It was also once home to the Minnesota Swarm, a professional lacrosse team. The city of Saint Paul owns The X. It is managed by Minnesota Sports & Entertainment. The Xcel Energy Center is located near other important buildings. These include the RiverCentre convention facility and the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts.
Contents
What is the Xcel Energy Center?
The Xcel Energy Center is a modern sports and entertainment arena. It was built in the year 2000. The cost to build it was about $130 million. This huge building was designed by a company called Populous. They are famous architects who design many sports venues.
How many people can fit inside?
The Xcel Energy Center can hold many fans. For ice hockey and lacrosse games, it can seat 18,064 people. If you include standing room, it can hold even more, up to 18,568 fans! For concerts, the seating changes. An end stage concert can fit 14,440 people. A center stage concert can hold up to 20,554 people.
What events are held at The X?
The Xcel Energy Center hosts many exciting events. It is best known as the home of the Minnesota Wild hockey team. Besides hockey, it has hosted many other sports and shows.
Major Sports Events
The Xcel Energy Center has been the site of several big sports tournaments. It hosted the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship, also known as the Frozen Four, in 2002. This is a major college hockey event. In 2004, it welcomed the National Hockey League All-Star Game. This game brings together the best players from the NHL. The arena also hosts high school hockey championships, which are very popular in Minnesota.
Other Important Gatherings
Beyond sports, The Xcel Energy Center is used for large public events. For example, it hosted the 2008 Republican National Convention. This was a big meeting where a major political party chose its candidate for president. The arena's large size makes it perfect for such important gatherings.
Images for kids
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Interior during Minnesota Swarm lacrosse game.
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Inside the Xcel Energy Center during the 2006 WCHA Final Five Championship.
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Interior before the 2020 Minnesota State High School League Boys' Hockey AA Championship game between Eden Prairie and Hill Murray.
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Inside the Xcel Energy Center before the 2009 Boys High School Championship game between Eden Prairie and Moorhead.
See also
In Spanish: Xcel Energy Center para niños
