The Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota is home to the NHL’s Minnesota Wild hockey team. With a capacity of over 18,000 for hockey games, the arena has a complex and unique seating arrangement. Understanding how the seats are numbered and labeled can help fans find their way around the arena.
Sections and Rows
The seating at Xcel Energy Center is divided into sections, rows, and seats. Sections are labeled with numbers, such as Section 101 or Section 218. Within each section, the rows are labeled with letters from A to Z, AA to AZ, and so on. The lower lettered rows, like A-F, are closest to the event level. As the row letter gets higher, the seats get higher up in the section.
Each row contains a certain number of seats, numbered from left to right when facing the main stage or hockey rink. Seat 1 is on the left end of the row, and the highest numbered seat is on the right. For example, in Section 218 Row M, seats range from Seat 1 on the left to Seat 20 on the right.
Lower and Upper Levels
The arena has two main levels – a Lower Level and Upper Level. The Lower Level sections are numbered from 101 to 128 and sit closer to the ice. The Upper Level sections are numbered from 201 to 228 and sit higher above the action. There are also Club Level and Suite Level sections that require special access.
Sections and Sidelines
Sections are divided into different sidelines, corners, and ends. The lowest section numbers 101-108 and 201-208 make up the end zones beside the goals. Sections 109-122 and 209-222 run along the sidelines from goal to goal. Sections 123-128 and 223-228 are in the corners of the arena.
Lower Level Seating
Here is more detail about the specific Lower Level seating sections at Xcel Energy Center:
Section | Sideline |
---|---|
101-104 | Sections behind south end goal |
105-108 | South end sidelines |
109-114 | South side sidelines |
115-120 | North side sidelines |
121-124 | North end sidelines |
125-128 | Sections behind north end goal |
The Lower Level sidelines provide viewing angles directly beside and behind the team benches. Sections 101-104 behind the south goal provide a very low, up-close view directly behind the net. Sections 125-128 behind the north goal also provide interesting viewing from behind the opposing goalie.
Lower Level Corners vs Sidelines
Within the Lower Level sidelines, seats in the corner sections (123-124 and 115-116) are angled differently towards the ice compared to the straight-on view from the center sideline sections. Fans who want a head-on view of high-speed plays developing may prefer the center sideline seats instead of the sharper viewing angle in the corner sections.
Upper Level Seating
The Upper Level at Xcel Energy Center follows a similar numbering convention as the Lower Level:
Section | Sideline |
---|---|
201-204 | Sections behind south end goal |
205-208 | South end sidelines |
209-214 | South side sidelines |
215-220 | North side sidelines |
221-224 | North end sidelines |
225-228 | Sections behind north end goal |
The Upper Level is further away from the ice but elevated for an overall view of the rink. Sections 225-228 behind the opposing goal provide an interesting perspective for watching plays develop.
Club Level
The Club Level at Xcel Energy Center includes exclusive sections that require special tickets:
- Sections CL1-CL4: Loge Boxes with luxury amenities and premium views of the ice.
- Section CL5-CL8: Club Level Seats with access to the Cambria Club lounge.
- Sections SU1-SU3: Executive Suites with luxury amenities for corporate groups.
Club Level seats provide upscale experiences with premium sightlines, gourmet catering, and more comfortable seating than the traditional arena sections.
Finding Your Seats
With this overview of the arena’s layout, Wild fans can more easily locate their seats at the Xcel Energy Center. The detailed section and row numbering creates a logical system to find your way, especially if your ticket lists the specific section, row, and seat number. Guest services staff can also assist fans in locating their seats throughout the arena.
Understanding how the seating numbers flow throughout the levels, sideline zones, corners, and ends makes it easier to navigate the arena like a pro. Consult the arena map and follow the section signs to find your seats, then settle in to enjoy the exciting atmosphere of the game from your chosen vantage point. Let’s play hockey!
Conclusion
The Xcel Energy Center uses a methodical, easy-to-follow numbering system for its seating sections, rows, and seats. By dividing the arena into Lower and Upper Levels, then subdividing by sidelines, corners, and end zones, fans can intuitively locate their tickets’ assigned location. Lower sections sit closer to the action, while Upper sections are elevated for an overall viewpoint. Special Club Level seats offer luxury amenities and service. Understanding the arena’s layout is the first step to finding your seat and enjoying the LIVE experience with the Minnesota Wild at the Xcel Energy Center!