Xcel Energy Center

{{Infobox venue

| stadium_name = Xcel Energy Center

| nickname = The X

| logo_image = File:Xcel Energy Center.svg

| image = File:XcelEnergyCenteroverview.jpg

| caption = Xcel Energy Center in 2006

| address = 199 Kellogg Boulevard West

| location = Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.

| coordinates = {{coord|44|56|41|N|93|6|4|W|type:landmark_scale:4000|display=inline,title}}

| pushpin_map = USA Minnesota#USA

| pushpin_relief = yes

| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Minnesota##Location in the United States

| broke_ground = {{start date and age|June 23, 1998}}

| opened = {{start date and age|September 29, 2000}}

| publictransit = {{rint|minnesota|green}}
at Central Station
Metro Transit Route 54

| owner = City of Saint Paul

| operator = Minnesota Sports & Entertainment

| construction_cost = US$170 million{{cite web |title= About us|url=https://www.xcelenergycenter.com/connect-with-us/about|publisher=Xcel Energy Center|access-date= January 30, 2021}}

| surface = Multi-surface

| architect = HOK Sport (now Populous){{cite web |title= About us|url=https://www.xcelenergycenter.com/connect-with-us/about|publisher=Xcel Energy Center|access-date= January 30, 2021}}

| project_manager = Project Management Consultants, LLC.[http://www.aboutpmc.com/projects/arenas/ Project Management Consultants: Project Profiles – Ballparks, Stadium & Arenas] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104154112/http://www.aboutpmc.com/projects/arenas/ |date=November 4, 2011 }}

| structural engineer = Geiger Engineers PC

| services engineer = M-E Engineers. Inc.

| general_contractor = Mortenson/Thor{{cite web |title=Xcel Energy Center Facts & Figures|url=http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2000/10/20001002/No-Topic-Name/XCEL-ENERGY-CENTER-FACTS-Amp-FIGURES.aspx|work=SportsBusiness Journal|date=October 2, 2000|access-date=November 7, 2011}}

| tenants = Minnesota Wild (NHL) (2000–present)
Minnesota Frost (PWHL) (2024–present)
Minnesota Swarm (NLL) (2005–2015)
Minnesota Lynx (WNBA) (2017)
Minnesota High School Hockey State Tournament (Boys & Girls) (2001–present)

| seating_capacity = Ice hockey:
18,064 (2000–2012)
17,954 (2012–present){{cite web |title=GAMEDAY: Wild vs. Avalanche|first=Mike|last=Doyle|url=http://wild.nhl.com/gamecenter/en/preview?id=2012020012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413055016/http://wild.nhl.com/gamecenter/en/preview?id=2012020012|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 13, 2015|publisher=National Hockey League|date=January 19, 2013|access-date=September 18, 2013}}
Concerts:

End Stage 12,999
Center Stage 20,554

| dimensions = {{convert|650000|sqft|m2|abbr=on}}

| website = {{url|xcelenergycenter.com}}

}}

Xcel Energy Center is a multipurpose arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States. Completed in 2000 and often called "The X" by fans,{{cite web |last=Callaghan |first=Peter |url=https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2023/11/minnesota-wild-taps-former-state-budget-director-as-lobbyist-is-a-public-ask-for-xcel-energy-center-renovations-next/ |title=Minnesota Wild taps former state budget director as lobbyist. Is a public ask for Xcel Energy Center renovations next? |work=Minnpost |date=November 14, 2023 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240506190037/https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2023/11/minnesota-wild-taps-former-state-budget-director-as-lobbyist-is-a-public-ask-for-xcel-energy-center-renovations-next/ |archive-date=May 6, 2024}} it is named for its locally based corporate sponsor Xcel Energy. With an official capacity of 17,954, the arena has four spectator levels: one suite level and three for general seating.{{cite web|title=Xcel Energy Center |url=http://www.xcelenergycenter.com/arena/QuickFacts.jsp |publisher=Xcel Energy Center |date=July 6, 2000 |access-date=February 22, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918015934/http://www.xcelenergycenter.com/arena/QuickFacts.jsp |archive-date=September 18, 2008 }} The building is home to the NHL's Minnesota Wild and the Minnesota Frost of the PWHL.

The arena is owned by the city of Saint Paul and operated by the Wild's parent company, Minnesota Sports & Entertainment. It is on the same block of downtown St. Paul as the RiverCentre convention facility, the Roy Wilkins Auditorium, and the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, and shares a single indoor access area with the RiverCentre and Roy Wilkins Auditorium.

History

The arena opened on September 29, 2000. It was built on the site of the demolished St. Paul Civic Center. The push for a new arena in Saint Paul grew after the National Hockey League's Minnesota North Stars moved to Dallas. Saint Paul courted the Hartford Whalers and Winnipeg Jets under Mayor Norm Coleman, but the Civic Center was an obstacle to both deals.{{cite news |title=St. Paul New Arena is Tale of Survival|first=Virginia|last=Rybin|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PD&s_site=twincities&p_multi=SP&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB73A29C36ECF16|newspaper=St. Paul Pioneer Press|date=September 27, 2000|access-date=September 18, 2013}}

In order to get an NHL expansion team, Saint Paul needed to build a new arena. After several failed attempts to get funding, the state funded the project in April 1998. It gave Saint Paul a no-interest loan of $65 million for the $130 million project, though it forgave $17 million of that in exchange for having high school sports championships played at the arena.

The arena hosted the Vote for Change Tour on October 5, 2004, featuring performances by Bright Eyes, R.E.M. and Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band (with special guest John Fogerty and unannounced guest Neil Young).{{cite web |date=July 17, 2004 |title=2004 Setlists |url=http://www.backstreets.com/setlists2004.html |access-date=November 7, 2011 |publisher=Backstreets.com}}

In 2006, the Twin Cities were selected as the hosting metropolis for the 2008 Republican National Convention, and the arena was chosen as the main venue.[https://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-07-22-republicans-convention_N.htm Republicans start arena conversion for convention] USA Today. The convention was held there on September 1-4, 2008. The manager of the Xcel Energy Center at the time was Minnesota Sports & Entertainment whose owner Craig Leipold is also the owner of the Minnesota Wild and a prominent Republican and supporter of George W. Bush and Mitt Romney.{{cite web |url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/news_cut/archive/2008/01/who_is_craig_leipold.shtml |publisher=Minnesota Public Radio |access-date=2010-04-27 |title=Who is Craig Leipold |author=Collins, Bob |date=January 10, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080112190534/http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/news_cut/archive/2008/01/who_is_craig_leipold.shtml |archive-date=January 12, 2008}}{{cite web |last=Brothers |first=Bruce |url=https://www.twincities.com/2008/04/10/craig-leipold-officially-takes-over-as-the-minnesota-wilds-new-majority-owner/ |title=Craig Leipold officially takes over as the Minnesota Wild’s new majority owner |publisher=Pioneer Press |date=April 10, 2008 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240506190225/https://www.twincities.com/2008/04/10/craig-leipold-officially-takes-over-as-the-minnesota-wilds-new-majority-owner/ |archive-date=May 6, 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://www.c-span.org/video/?280774-1/2008-republican-convention-day-1 |title=2008 Republican Convention, Day 1: SEPTEMBER 1, 2008. PART OF CSPAN CONVENTION COVERAGE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION |work=CSPAN |date=September 1, 2008 |access-date=May 6, 2024}}

The 10 millionth person passed through its gates on July 3, 2007.

In 2010, ESPN magazine listed a Minnesota Wild game at Xcel Energy Center as the third-best stadium experience in North America.{{cite web |last=Van Denburg |first=Hart |title=ESPN Magazine calls Target Field the best stadium in North America |url=http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2010/07/espn_calls_trag.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517133915/http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2010/07/espn_calls_trag.php |archive-date=17 May 2014 |access-date=16 May 2014 |publisher=City Pages}}

In December 2023, Saint Paul city officials spoke on the condition of the venue, stating that it was "showing its age", and said needed renovations could cost "several hundred million [dollars]....based on similar renovations". The project would focus on modernizing the facility to meet demands of newer generations of visitors.{{Cite web |last=Walsh |first=James Walsh |title=St. Paul officials say Xcel Energy Center is showing its age — and they want state help to fix it up |url=https://www.startribune.com/st-paul-officials-say-xcel-energy-center-is-showing-its-age-and-they-want-state-help-to-fix-it-up/600325633/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=Star Tribune}}

In April 2025, it was announced that Xcel Energy Center would be renamed before the start of the 2025–26 NHL season after 25 years, but that the company would still remain a partner of the team.{{Cite web|url=https://www.audacy.com/wccoradio/local-sports/local/wild-and-xcel-energy-end-naming-rights-deal-st-paul-arena|title=No More X: The Wild's home arena will get a new naming rights partner after deal with Xcel Energy comes to an end|date=April 15, 2025|website=www.audacy.com}}

Features

The concourse areas contain hockey jerseys from every Minnesota high school on the walls, reflecting the "State of Hockey." Surrounding the arena at all four corners are "crow's nests." One features an organ and is played during Wild games. The second features a lighthouse that houses a foghorn that is blasted when the team takes the ice before games, for all Wild and Frost goals, and after a victory. The third is used for the Wild's drum line. The fourth provides an additional stage for various uses.

Before it opened, the arena installed an integrated scoring, video, information and advertising display system by Daktronics. The system includes a large LED circular, center-hung scoreboard with multiple displays, nearly {{convert|1100|ft|m}} of ribbon display technology mounted on the fascia and large video displays outside the facility.{{cite web|title=Xcel Energy Center |url=http://www.prairiebizmag.com/event/image/id/1358/headline/Xcel%20Energy%20Center/ |work=Prairie Biz Magazine |date=July 1, 1492 |access-date=September 18, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219095841/http://www.prairiebizmag.com/event/image/id/1358/headline/Xcel%20Energy%20Center/ |archive-date=February 19, 2014 }} The center ice display was replaced in the summer of 2014. Of the 10 LED screens, the largest measures {{convert|37.5|ft}} wide by {{convert|19|ft}} high.{{cite web |title=Xcel Energy Center, Wild will unveil new center-ice video board Sept. 27|url=http://www.startribune.com/sports/blogs/265272971.html|work=Star Tribune|date=June 30, 2014|access-date=July 21, 2014}} In 2015 the arena began replacing every seat in the building with cushioned seating. This was finished by early 2016.

Attendance records

January 6, 2024: 13,316 fans attended the Minnesota Frost's Professional Women's Hockey League home debut, setting a new record for the largest crowd to attend a professional women's hockey game.{{Cite magazine |last=Nelson |first=John |date=2024-01-07 |title=PWHL Minnesota smashes attendance world record and wins in shutout |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/bringmethesports/pwhl-minnesota/pwhl-minnesota-smashes-attendance-world-record-and-wins-in-shutout |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107055605/https://www.si.com/fannation/bringmethesports/pwhl-minnesota/pwhl-minnesota-smashes-attendance-world-record-and-wins-in-shutout |archive-date=2024-01-07 |access-date=2024-01-07 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}} The previous record had been set only five days earlier at a sold-out PWHL game in Ottawa, Canada.{{Cite news |date=2024-01-07 |title=PWHL game in Minnesota sets attendance record with 13,316 fans |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/jan/06/pwhl-minnesota-montreal-game-ttendance-record |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107032252/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/jan/06/pwhl-minnesota-montreal-game-ttendance-record |archive-date=2024-01-07 |access-date=2024-01-07 |work=The Guardian}}
March 6, 2015: 21,609 fans attended the 2015 State Boys' Hockey Tournament Class AA semifinals at Xcel Energy Center, setting a new record for the largest crowd to ever attend an indoor hockey game in the state of Minnesota.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/upload/MSHSL232550aasemi2.htm|title=Minnesota State High School Boys' Hockey}}
March 9, 2012: The Minnesota State High School League Boys' hockey tournament again set a new attendance record during the 2012 AA semifinal session. Hill-Murray and Moorhead played in the first game followed by Benilde St-Margaret's and Lakeville South in front of a crowd of 19,893.{{cite news |title=State Hockey: Hill-Murray Coach Discusses Jack Jablonski's Effect on BSM|first=Tim|last=Leighton|url=http://www.twincities.com/ci_20148179/state-hockey-hill-murray-coach-discusses-jack-jablonskis|newspaper=St. Paul Pioneer Press|date=March 10, 2012|access-date=September 18, 2013}}
March 8, 2008: The Minnesota State High School League Boys' hockey tournament set a new attendance record during the AA semifinal session. Edina and Benilde-St. Margaret's played in the first game followed by Roseau and Hill-Murray in front of a crowd of 19,559.
February 8, 2004: The NHL All-Star Game set a record for attendance at a hockey game in Minnesota at 19,434.
The record attendance for a Wild game was set May 6, 2014, at 19,416, against the Chicago Blackhawks.
On October 28, 2003, Shania Twain set the arena's single-night concert attendance record of 20,554.
On March 17, 2007, 19,463 spectators watched the final game of the WCHA Final Five tournament, the largest crowd ever for an indoor United States college ice hockey game[http://www.uscho.com/recaps/20062007/m/03/17/und-umn.php Tour De Force: Wheeler Nets OT Goal To Give Minnesota Broadmoor Trophy] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070917073914/http://www.uscho.com/recaps/20062007/m/03/17/und-umn.php |date=September 17, 2007 }} (i.e. not including games held in football stadiums such as the Cold War).
On January 19, 2013, 19,298 fans watched the Wild defeat the Colorado Avalanche in the first game after the shortened 2012–13 season. It also marked the debuts of signees Zach Parise and Ryan Suter.{{cite web |title=Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche: Game Recap|first=Nathan|last=Eide|url=http://www.hockeywilderness.com/2013/1/19/3895808/minnesota-wild-vs-colorado-avalanche-game-recap|work=Hockey Wilderness|date=January 19, 2013|access-date=February 22, 2013}}
Every Wild game at the Xcel Energy Center sold out until October 16, 2010, totaling 400 consecutive home games.{{cite web |title=2010 Hockey Day Minnesota Announced|url=http://wild.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=485992|publisher=National Hockey League|date=June 22, 2009|access-date=November 7, 2011}}
Prince and Taylor Swift hold the record for the most consecutive sold-out shows at three.{{cite web |title=Taylor Swift lights up St. Paul with 'breathtaking' shows during 3-night takeover|url=https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/taylor-swift-lights-up-st-paul-with-breathtaking-performances-during-3-night-takeover |publisher=Bring Me the News|date=Mar 8, 2018|access-date=May 8, 2023}}

Sustainability efforts

The campus of Xcel Energy Center, Saint Paul RiverCentre, and The Roy Wilkins Auditorium has three world-class certifications:

Green Globes Certification – November 2017
LEED Platinum Certification – September 2019{{Cite web |title=RiverCentre/Xcel Energy Center {{!}} U.S. Green Building Council |url=https://www.usgbc.org/projects/rivercentrexcel-energy-center |access-date=2023-01-27 |website=www.usgbc.org |language=en}}
Event Industry Council (EIC) Sustainable Event Standards (SES) – Gold Certification – November 2020

The Xcel Energy Center and Saint Paul RiverCentre campus is the world's first complex to receive all three of those certifications. The road to achieving them took several years. Some of the steps taken to achieve these awards are:

60% of all waste is recycled
40% of staff commute by bus, bike, carpool or an efficient vehicle
90% of cleaning products meet green standards

In addition to the efforts made by staff, Xcel Energy Center has partnered with the NHL to join Change the Course, a national initiative promoting water conservation and restoration. To highlight its achievements, the Xcel Energy Center produced [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxdWHydAnWs Exceptionally Green: Minnesota Wild, Saint Paul RiverCentre and Xcel Energy Center].

Sports

Xcel Energy Center is a hub for sports events in the Midwest. In 2004, ESPN named the arena the best overall sports venue in the U.S.{{Cite web |last=Bauer |first=Ted |date=June 4, 2008 |title=SPORTS AND POLITICS: XCEL ENERGY CENTER |url=https://www.espn.com/espnmag/story?id=3425273 |access-date=March 3, 2024 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} It hosted the NCAA Frozen Four tournament in 2002, 2011, 2018, and 2024.{{Cite web |last=Kahner |first=Johnny |date=2023-11-14 |title=Tickets to college hockey's 2024 NCHC Frozen Faceoff at Xcel Energy Center on sale - CBS Minnesota |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/tickets-to-college-hockeys-2024-nchc-frozen-faceoff-at-xcel-energy-center-on-sale/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}} The National Lacrosse League's Minnesota Swarm played in the arena from January 2005 until they moved to Georgia in 2015. The Minnesota Lynx of the WNBA used Xcel Energy Center during the 2016 WNBA Playoffs and the 2017 WNBA season as their home arena, Minneapolis's Target Center, was undergoing renovation.{{cite web |date=12 September 2016 |title=Lynx to play first two playoff games in St. Paul |url=https://www.twincities.com/2016/09/12/lynx-to-play-first-two-playoff-games-in-st-paul/ |access-date=24 February 2019}}{{cite web |title=Lynx to play 2017 home games at Xcel Energy Center |url=http://www.startribune.com/lynx-to-play-2017-home-games-at-xcel-energy-center/387837721/ |access-date=24 February 2019 |website=Star Tribune}} As of 2018, it is host venue of the NCHC Frozen Faceoff.{{Cite news |date=2017-09-07 |title=NCHC Establishes New Partnership with Xcel Energy Center to Host Frozen Faceoff |url=https://www.nchchockey.com/news_article/show/831040 |access-date=2018-03-17 |work=National Collegiate Hockey Conference}} The venue formerly hosted the Big Ten Men's Ice Hockey Tournament, alternating with Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.{{cite web |date=May 4, 2017 |title=Big Ten Announces Conference Schedule for 2017-18 Hockey Season |url=http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/050417aaa.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508225541/http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/050417aaa.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 8, 2017 |access-date=21 June 2017 |publisher=Big Ten Conference}}{{cite web |last=Dilks |first=Chris |date=September 30, 2016 |title=Big Ten Officially Approves On-Campus Playoffs |url=https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2016/9/30/13125088/big-ten-officially-approves-on-campus-playoffs |access-date=20 June 2017 |website=SB Nation}} The venue is used by the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) for its Girls Volleyball State Tournament, Wrestling State Tournament, and the Boys and Girls Hockey State Tournaments.

The Minnesota Wild played their first game at the arena on October 11, 2000, against the Philadelphia Flyers. Their first win at the arena came on October 18, 2000, when they defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 6–5. The Wild's first playoff game at the arena was on April 14, 2003. In that game, the Wild suffered a 3–0 loss to the Colorado Avalanche. On April 21, 2003, the Wild won their first playoff game 3–2 on an overtime game-winner by Richard Park.{{Cite web |title=2002-03 Minnesota Wild Roster and Statistics |url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/MIN/2003.html |access-date=2019-04-24 |website=Hockey-Reference.com |language=en}} On April 26, 2015, the Wild clinched a playoff series at the arena for the first time, defeating the St. Louis Blues 4–1 in game six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.{{Cite web |title=2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round schedule |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/2015-stanley-cup-playoffs-first-round-schedule/c-762688 |access-date=2019-04-24 |website=NHL.com |language=en-US}}

In 2023, it was announced that the Minnesota Frost of the Professional Women's Hockey League would be based out of the arena.{{Cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Ian |date=2023-11-28 |title=PWHL Officially Announces Venues |url=https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/pwhl-officially-announces-venues |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129221758/https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/pwhl-officially-announces-venues |archive-date=2023-11-29 |access-date=2024-01-06 |work=The Hockey News}} The team hosted its inaugural home game on January 6, 2023—a 3–0 shutout victory over the Montréal Victoire. Grace Zumwinkle scored the first home goal for the Frost, and went on to record a hat-trick; Maddie Rooney recorded the shutout. With more than 13,000 fans in attendance, the game set a new record for attendance at a professional women's hockey game.

File:122007-WildXcel-001.jpg|Interior during a Minnesota Wild game

File:Box_Lacrosse.jpg|Interior during a Minnesota Swarm lacrosse game

File:2006_WCHA_Final_Five.jpg|Interior during the 2006 WCHA Final Five Championship

File:2009 MN Boys Hockey State Championship.jpg|Interior prior to the 2009 Boys' High School Championship game between Eden Prairie and Moorhead

File:Xcel Energy Center - March 2020.jpg|Interior before the 2020 Minnesota State High School League Boys' Hockey AA Championship game between Eden Prairie and Hill Murray

Concerts

Various music artists have held concerts at the arena since its opening in 2000. Some of these include Taylor Swift,{{Cite web |last=Gabler |first=Jay |date=2013-09-09 |title=MUSIC REVIEW {{!}} Taylor Swift at the Xcel Energy Center: A celebration of perseverance in the face of being talented, beautiful, and famous |url=https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/music-review-taylor-swift-xcel-energy-center-celebration-perseverance-face-being-tal/ |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=Twin Cities Daily Planet |language=en-US}} Olivia Rodrigo,{{Cite web |last=Bream |first=Jon |date=2024-03-16 |title=Review: Who was louder in St. Paul: Olivia Rodrigo or her overexuberant fans? |url=https://www.startribune.com/olivia-rodrigo-taylor-swift-billie-eilish-st-paul-xcel-energy-center/600351704 |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=www.startribune.com |language=en}} Lady Gaga,{{Cite web |last=Raihala |first=Ross |date=August 22, 2017 |title=Lady Gaga extends her Super Bowl performance into wildly entertaining Xcel concert |url=https://www.twincities.com/2017/08/21/lady-gaga-extends-her-super-bowl-performance-into-wildly-entertaining-xcel-concert/ |access-date=March 3, 2024 |website=Twin Cities |language=en-US}} Katy Perry,{{Cite web |date=December 1, 2017 |title=Katy Perry just wants to have fun in arena spectacle at Xcel Energy Center |url=https://www.startribune.com/katy-perry-just-wants-to-have-fun-in-arena-spectacle-at-xcel-energy-center/461427973/ |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=Star Tribune}} Imagine Dragons,{{Cite magazine |last=Lipshutz |first=Jason |date=2013-10-07 |title=Imagine Dragons Announces 'Into The Night' 2014 Tour |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/imagine-dragons-announces-into-the-night-2014-tour-5748108/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} Elton John,{{Cite web |date=2022-03-23 |title=Elton John's farewell tour stops at the X — but he's not going anywhere |url=https://www.twincities.com/2022/03/22/elton-johns-farewell-tour-stops-at-the-x-but-hes-not-going-anywhere/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=Pioneer Press |language=en-US}} Pink,{{Cite web |last=Raihala |first=Ross |date=2024-02-26 |title=Pink adds second show at Xcel Energy Center in October |url=https://www.twincities.com/2024/02/26/pink-second-st-paul-concert-xcel-energy-center/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=Pioneer Press |language=en-US}} Madonna,{{Cite web |last=Raihala |first=Ross |date=2024-02-14 |title=Review: Madonna heats up the X with a late-night greatest hits show |url=https://www.twincities.com/2024/02/14/review-madonna-heats-up-the-x-with-a-late-night-greatest-hits-show/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=Pioneer Press |language=en-US}} Pentatonix,{{Cite web |last=Streed |first=Leyden |date=2023-08-21 |title=Pentatonix coming to St. Paul for Christmas concert |url=https://www.fox9.com/news/pentatonix-coming-to-st-paul-for-christmas-concert |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=Fox 9 KMSP |language=en-US}} Kelly Clarkson,{{Cite web |date=2015-08-04 |title=Kelly Clarkson steers her own course in St. Paul concert |url=https://www.startribune.com/kelly-clarkson-steers-her-own-course-in-st-paul-concert/320716311/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=Star Tribune}} Ariana Grande,{{Cite web |last=Dunn |first=Patrick |date=2014-12-09 |title=MUSIC PHOTOS {{!}} 101.3 KDWB's Jingle Ball 2014 at Xcel Energy Center |url=https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/music-photos-kdwb-jingle-ball-2014-xcel-energy-center/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=Twin Cities Daily Planet |language=en-US}} Post Malone,{{Cite web |last=Raihala |first=Ross |date=2022-09-12 |title=Post Malone gets goofy and emotional at sold-out Xcel Energy Center concert |url=https://www.twincities.com/2022/09/11/post-malone-gets-goofy-and-emotional-at-sold-out-xcel-energy-center-concert/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=Pioneer Press |language=en-US}} Beyoncé,{{Cite web |date=2013-02-04 |title=Beyonce Coming To Xcel Energy Center In July - CBS Minnesota |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/beyonce-coming-to-xcel-energy-center-in-july/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}} Shania Twain,{{Cite web |last=Bream |first=Jon |date=2023-05-17 |title=Review: Shania Twain shows sell-out crowd in St. Paul why she's iconic |url=https://www.startribune.com/shania-twain-hailey-whitters-xcel-energy-center-cher-dolly-parton-vegas/600275825/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=Star Tribune}} Iron Maiden{{Cite web |title=The Future Past Tour - 2024 |url=https://www.ironmaiden.com/tour/the-future-past-tour-2024/ |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=Iron Maiden |language=en-GB}} and Bruno Mars.{{Cite web |date=2017-08-06 |title=Bruno Mars has it all in St. Paul — except originality |url=https://www.startribune.com/bruno-mars-has-it-all-in-st-paul-except-originality/438815383/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=Star Tribune}}

Funding

In 1998, the state made a $65 million interest-free loan toward construction of the $130 million arena, $17 million of which was forgiven when the team agreed to allow amateur and public events. That left a loan of $48 million.

In 2013, the state legislature passed an omnibus jobs, housing and commerce bill that included forgiveness of the remaining $32.7 million loan to Xcel Energy Center.

Under the terms of the forgiveness deal in this bill, St. Paul's annual loan payment was reduced by $500,000 in 2014 and again in 2015. The balance of the loan was forgiven in 2016. The city still owes $56.8 million in bonds on the arena, of the $72.7 million it borrowed in 1998.{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/st-paul-wins-forgiveness-of-xcel-arena-loan/208426351/|title=St. Paul wins forgiveness of Xcel arena loan|website=Star Tribune|access-date=24 February 2019}}