The Xcel Energy Center is much more than just the home of the wildly popular Minnesota Wild NHL team, which regularly sells out the arena's 18,000-plus seats for home games. The six-acre site, adjacent to the RiverCentre Convention Center Complex, dominates the view as you approach downtown Saint Paul, with its five stories of curved tinted glass, and a huge animated sign worthy of Times Square. The venue also hosts concerts, and family and sporting events.

The restrooms all have changing tables, and separate Family Restrooms are available on each of the four seating levels. Non-folding strollers need to be checked at Guest Services, located by Section 104 on the 100 Level. Folding strollers should be placed under seats.

For some concerts and events, the Xcel Energy Center will make a Family Room available for parents, so that they can be near the event their children are attending without having to purchase a ticket - or attend the concert! The quiet room has seating and a television to pass the time. Call 651.265.4867 at least two weeks in advance to request this service.

tips:

Tour the arena on non-event Tuesdays at 1:30pm (Adults $5; Children $3). Preregistration required at 651.265.4853.

getting there:

At the corner of Kellogg Boulevard and West Seventh Street at the northwest edge of downtown. Two parking ramps, RiverCentre and Kellogg, connect to the arena, but fill early before popular events. Dozens more ramps and lots in the surrounding area handle the overflow.