Xcel Energy Center opened on September 29, 2000, at 199 Kellogg Boulevard West in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota, and quickly became one of the Upper Midwest’s premier live entertainment destinations. Built at a cost of approximately $170 million and designed by HOK Sport (now Populous), the 650,000-square-foot arena earned the affectionate nickname ‘The X’ among fans and locals.
With a center-stage concert capacity of up to 20,554 and an end-stage configuration accommodating around 12,999, the arena drew some of music’s biggest names over its 25-year run under that name—from Prince performing multiple sold-out hometown shows to Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and the Rolling Stones. In September 2025, the venue was renamed Grand Casino Arena following a new naming rights deal with the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota
- Type: Indoor multipurpose arena
- Opened: September 29, 2000
- Renamed: Grand Casino Arena (September 3, 2025)
- Hockey Capacity: 17,954
- Concert Capacity (Center Stage): 20,554
- Construction Cost: ~$170 million
- Famous for: Prince sold-out hometown runs, 2008 Republican National Convention
Concert History and Legendary Performances
Xcel Energy Center established itself as a world-class concert venue from its earliest seasons. Shania Twain set the single-night attendance record on October 28, 2003, drawing all 20,554 center-stage fans—a mark that stood for years. The arena went on to host an extraordinary roster of performers including Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, the Rolling Stones, Barbra Streisand, Madonna, and Bon Jovi.
No performer shaped the venue’s local identity more than Minneapolis native Prince, who delivered multiple consecutive sold-out shows to adoring hometown crowds. More recently, global superstars Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Post Malone, and Olivia Rodrigo all performed at ‘The X,’ confirming it as a must-stop on any major North American tour.
Design, Ownership, and a New Era
Designed by HOK Sport (now Populous) and owned by the City of Saint Paul, the arena was operated by Minnesota Sports & Entertainment, parent company of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild. The 650,000-square-foot building featured four spectator levels—one suite level and three for general seating—along with distinctive ‘crow’s nest’ structures at each corner, one housing a pipe organ and another a foghorn sounded during Wild home games.
After 25 years carrying the Xcel Energy name, the arena was officially rechristened Grand Casino Arena on September 3, 2025, under a naming rights agreement with the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. The renaming closed the chapter on ‘The X’ as Saint Paul knew it, though the building continues to serve the city as a hub for concerts, sporting events, and large-scale gatherings.
Explore more: Music Venues.
Xcel Energy Center FAQs
Where is Xcel Energy Center located?
Xcel Energy Center was located at 199 Kellogg Boulevard West in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota. The building still stands at that address and is now known as Grand Casino Arena.
What was the concert capacity of Xcel Energy Center?
Center-stage concert configurations held up to 20,554 fans, while end-stage shows accommodated around 12,999 attendees. The hockey configuration seated 17,954.
Why was Xcel Energy Center renamed?
After 25 years under the Xcel Energy naming rights agreement, a new deal was reached with the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. The Minnesota Wild and the NHL announced the change in June 2025, and the arena was officially renamed Grand Casino Arena on September 3, 2025.
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Photo: Rx StrangeLove / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.