Finding the right spot at an arena comes down to knowing how the rows stack and where the sightlines lead. Located in downtown Saint Paul, the Xcel Energy Center hosts Minnesota Wild hockey games, major concert tours, and family shows with a capacity ranging from 17,950 to over 20,500. Choosing the best seat means balancing your budget against how close you want to be to the action, whether you're tracking a fast-moving puck or watching a touring headliner.
Arena Layout and Seating Levels
The venue splits its standard seating bowl into three primary tiers: the lower bowl, the club level, and the upper bowl, plus specialized floor configurations for concerts and center-stage events.
- Lower Level (Sections 101–126): Encircles the main floor or ice rink. Rows typically run from 1 up to 26, depending on the specific section.
- Club Level (Sections C1–C40): Sits directly above the lower bowl on the suite and club tier. These sections feature shorter rows (typically 1 through 8) and offer private concourse access, upscale food options, and wider seats.
- Upper Level (Sections 201–230): Forms the highest tier of the permanent bowl. Rows run from 1 up to 11. While farther from the floor, these sections provide a full tactical view of the entire playing surface or stage.
Seat numbering across the bowl follows a standard convention: seat number 1 in any given section sits closest to the adjacent section with the lower number. If you're trying to figure out which side of your section you'll be on, checking the adjacent section numbers helps you pinpoint whether you're closer to the aisle or the middle.
Minnesota Wild Hockey Seating Guide
For hockey games, your perspective shifts drastically depending on which end of the ice the Wild are attacking twice. The Minnesota Wild attack the net toward section 110 during the first and third periods, making the surrounding lower and upper sections prime territory for goal-scoring action.
Best Options for Hockey
- Sections 108–112: Positioned directly behind and near the Wild attacking net. You'll catch close-up looks at offensive rushes and scoring attempts for two out of three periods.
- Rows 8 through 14 in the Lower Bowl: Many veteran hockey fans actively avoid the very first row in favor of rows slightly higher up. Sitting too low against the glass introduces distortion from the plexiglass, while rows 8 to 14 elevate you just enough to read plays develop across the entire sheet without losing the physical intensity near the boards.
- Sections 116 and 117: Located right along center ice. The Minnesota Wild bench sits in front of section 117, and the visiting team bench sits in front of section 116.
Concert and Touring Show Configurations
When touring artists roll through Saint Paul, the arena floor transforms from an ice sheet into general admission standing room or reserved floor seating.
- End-Stage Concerts: The stage sets up at one end of the arena, usually blocking sections 101 and 125–126. Sections 110 through 115 sit directly opposite the stage, offering dead-center sightlines.
- Floor Level: General admission floor setups put you right against the barricade, but sightlines can get blocked by taller audience members. If you prefer a clean, elevated view of the light show and stage production without standing for three hours, lower-level sections like 103, 104, 116, or 117 provide a much more comfortable angle.
- Center-Stage Layouts: For 360-degree productions or in-the-round events, the stage sits in the middle of the floor, opening up capacity across all regular bowl sections.
Premium Seating and Amenities
If you're upgrading your ticket package, the venue packs several club and suite options into the mid-tier levels.
- On-The-Glass Seats: Row 1 wraps the entire lower bowl. These seats often include access to exclusive lounges like the Treasure Island Ice Lodge, along with complementary food and beverage options.
- Loge Boxes and Suites: Found primarily along the club tier, these spaces combine semi-private seating with high-end catering and dedicated concourses, making them popular for corporate hosting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring the Attack Zone on Hockey Nights: Buying tickets behind the visitor goal (sections 121–125) means you'll watch the Wild shoot at the opposite end for the majority of the game. Plan your section based on who you want to see attack.
- Overpaying for Front-Row Glass: While sitting directly against the boards sounds thrilling, the physical plexiglass can obstruct your view of plays happening on the far side of the ice. Make sure you weigh the immersive sound of the hits against the visual trade-off.
- Failing to Check Row Depths: Upper deck rows only go up to row 11, meaning even the back rows aren't as distant as they would be in massive football stadiums. Don't automatically dismiss upper-level tickets if you want a budget-friendly view of the whole stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do upper level sections have elevators or escalators?
Yes, the concourses feature escalators and elevators to help visitors navigate between the main, club, and upper levels without climbing flights of stairs.
Are bag policies strictly enforced at the gates?
The venue enforces strict size limits on bags and purses, typically restricting large backpacks and oversized totes. Small clutch purses and medical bags are permitted after security screening.
How early do arena doors open before an event?
Doors generally open one hour before puck drop for hockey games and anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes before concert start times. Checking your specific ticket or the Xcel Energy Center event page helps confirm exact entry times.
Is standing room only available if a game or concert is sold out?
Selected events offer Standing Room Only (SRO) tickets, which grant entry to the building with designated rail spaces on the concourse level rather than a fixed seat.
