Grand Casino Arena, formerly called Xcel Energy Center, is a multipurpose indoor venue situated in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States. It officially opened on September 29, 2000, and serves as a venue for professional ice hockey, concerts, and a variety of sporting and entertainment events. The arena accommodates 17,954 spectators for ice hockey, although the available seating capacity can vary depending on the event configuration. The facility is owned by the City of Saint Paul and operated by Saint Paul Arena Company, an affiliate of Minnesota Sports & Entertainment.
The arena's design incorporates several seating levels and hospitality facilities intended to accommodate different audiences and event requirements. Its infrastructure includes executive suites, premium guest areas, and distinctive architectural features known as crow's nests. The venue is also equipped with an electronic display system that integrates scoring information, video content, and advertising. A central LED scoreboard and additional ribbon displays contribute to the presentation of live events and the communication of information to spectators.
Environmental sustainability forms an important component of Grand Casino Arena's operational program, which is coordinated with the adjoining Saint Paul RiverCentre complex. Initiatives include waste reduction and recycling, improvements in energy efficiency, renewable energy, environmentally preferable purchasing, and sustainable transportation. The facilities have also received recognition from independent certification organizations and industry bodies, including LEED, Green Globes, and APEX/ASTM. These programs provide frameworks for evaluating building operations and sustainable event management, while the venue continues to report on its environmental initiatives and progress
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There is an event floor level, lower seating level, Bremer Bank Suite level, RBC Wealth Management Club level, Upper Seating Level and Al Shaver Press Box Level.
