Wild Overview

Fast facts

League: Western Conference Central Division

Head Coach: Bruce Boudreau

Team Mascot: Nordy

Year Opened: 2000

Capacity: 18568

City / State: Saint Paul, Minnesota

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Wild vs Blackhawks

Rival Team: Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks and North Stars had a fierce rivalry during both teams time in the Norris Division and now that Chicago and Minnesota once again share a division the hate has been rekindled. The fact the two teams met in the playoffs three straight years from 2013 to 2015 has also played a significant role in turning the Wild-Blackhawks rivalry into one of the best in the Central Division.

Wild vs Stars

Rival Team: Dallas Stars

Fuck Norm Green! Minnesotans hate the Stars after they were taken from them in 1993. The rivalry goes beyond the ice for Wild fans and even though the Stars departure happened over 20 years ago many still haven’t gotten over it. You’ll find a hostile environment whenever the Stars are in town, so be in attendance for this matchup if you want to see The X at its best.

Wild vs Avalanche

Rival Team: Colorado Avalanche

The Wild-Avalanche rivalry is a budding rivalry in the Central Division. In 2014, these two teams met in the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs where the Wild upset the top-seeded Avalanche in seven games. A couple of years later the Wild narrowly beat out the Avs for the last spot in the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs. There is always a lot at stake when these two get together so don’t miss your chance to see the Wild take on the Avs.

Wild Stadium Guide

In Game

You’ll struggle to find another venue in all of the professional sports that goes as far to show off their devotion to the game. The second you step into the Xcel Energy Center you’ll be greeted with the sights and sounds of Minnesota hockey. Throughout the arena, there are many displays and exhibits featuring high school hockey, college hockey, and pro hockey. You’ll know you’re somewhere where people truly love hockey during your visit to the Xcel Energy Center.

It’s not just the rich tapestry displaying Minnesota’s hockey heritage that makes attending a Wild an excellent experience. Your view no matter where you’re seated is outstanding. The Xcel Energy Center is home to some of the best sightlines in the NHL, whether you’re sitting front row center ice or up in the rafters.

You’ll also encounter lots of friendly fans when attending a game at The X. Wild fans are very nice and welcoming meaning you’ll have no problem making friends with the people seated around you. The fans here are also extremely knowledge and love to talk hockey.

Downtown St. Paul is also an incredible place to take in a hockey game thanks to the large selection of quality bars and restaurants. Tom Reid’s Hockey City Pub, American Burger Bar, and Cossetta’s, among others, are all excellent places to grab a bite to eat before the game.

Don’t worry though if you arrive at the Xcel Energy Center without eating, as the concessions stands inside the arena are high quality and have a lot to offer. You can get anything from Davanni’s Pizza to Philly cheesesteak nachos to ice cream at the arena so that you won’t leave hungry.

The Xcel Energy Center is home to one of the best gameday experiences not only in the NHL, but all of the professional sports making a trip a must for any sports fan out there.

Things to check out

U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Exhibits

At the Mich Golden Light Fan Zone, you’ll find six display cases showcasing the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, MN. Two of the cases are dedicated to the museum, and the other four rotate regularly meaning there’s always something new to see when attending a Wild game.

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College Hockey Awards

At the Xcel Energy Center, you’ll be able to see the Hobey Baker and Patty Kazmaier Awards up close and in person. The awards for the best men’s and women’s college hockey player are on display near Gate 4, so stop by and check them out.

Jersey Wall

The Jersey Wall is an excellent tribute to Minnesota’s rich hockey culture. The wall features 215 jerseys from high schools throughout the state and is a must see for anyone wanting to understand just how important the game is to the state of Minnesota.

Minnesota State High School League Tournaments

If the Jersey Wall isn’t enough high school hockey for you, then make sure to keep an eye out for the eighteen Minnesota State High School League Tournaments headlines from the Pioneer Press.

WCHA

Near Gate 2, you’ll find an exhibit featuring the WCHA’s Broadmoor Trophy, which is awarded to the winner of the WCHA Final Five. Nearby you’ll also see the original Zamboni from the St. Paul Auditorium, so make sure to stop by Gate 2 before the game.

St. Paul Champions

On the RBC Wealth Management Club Level, you’ll have the chance to see exhibits honoring all of St. Paul’s minor league hockey champions. They include jerseys and newspaper headlines, and are a must see for any Minnesota hockey fan.

Hockey Lodge Exhibits

There’s always something new to see at The X thanks to the rotating exhibits near Gate 3 and the Hockey Lodge. There are also other various displays on Minnesota’s Mr. and Ms. Hockey as well as Herb Brooks. Make sure to take these in when attending a Wild game.

Prince Tribute

Prince fans will want to check out the Prince Tribute by Gate 1. The tribute features a replica Minnesota Wild jersey presented to Prince in 2004 and is a must see for any visiting the Xcel Energy Center.

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Celebrity Puck Wall

Check out the celebrity puck wall near Gate 5 to see all the acts that have performed at the Xcel Energy Center over the years. Every performer who passes through the arena signs a puck, so take a minute to take in this fantastic exhibit.

Lighthouse

The horn at the lighthouse goes off following every Wild goal. You can’t miss the lighthouse during your visit to The X.

Nordy

Nobody's quite sure what exactly Nordy is, but that doesn’t stop him from being beloved by Wild fans everywhere. Everyone loves Nordy, so keep your eyes open for him during the game.

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Kid Skating Onto the Ice

Before every game a kid skates onto the ice and plants a Minnesota Wild flag at center ice. The tradition shows off Minnesota's love of hockey and brings everyone to their feet, so be in your seat before the game.

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Bingoal

At select games, play Bingoal through the Arena app for your chance to win Minnesota Wild prizes. Bingoal is fun to play and a great way to stay engaged with the game, so sign up to play.

Fight Songs

  1. State of Hockey Anthem

    Wild fight song is played between the first and second periods.

    We were raised
    With the stick
    And a pair of blades
    On the ice we cut our teeth
    We took our knocks
    In the penalty box
    Our mother was the referee

    This sport was here
    Before we came
    It will be here when we’re gone
    The game’s in our blood
    And our blood’s in the game
    Lay us down under
    A frozen pond

    We will fight to the end
    We will stand and defend
    Our flag flying high and free
    We were born the child
    Of the strong and Wild
    In the State, the State of Hockey

    A big blue line runs around our state
    A line that can’t be crossed
    The day they try to take this game
    Is the day the gloves come off

    We will fight to the end
    We will stand and defend
    Our flag flying high and free
    We were born the child
    Of the strong and Wild
    In the State, the State of Hockey.

  2. Let's Go Crazy

    Wild goal song

    Dearly beloved
    We are gathered here today
    To get through this thing called life

    Electric word life
    It means forever and that’s a mighty long time
    But I’m here to tell you
    There’s something else
    The after world

    A world of never ending happiness
    You can always see the sun, day or night

    So when you call up that shrink in Beverly Hills
    You know the one, Dr. Everything’ll Be Alright
    Instead of asking him how much of your time is left
    Ask him how much of your mind, baby

    ‘Cause in this life
    Things are much harder than in the after world
    In this life
    You’re on your own

    And if the elevator tries to bring you down
    Go crazy, punch a higher floor

    If you don’t like the world you’re living in
    Take a look around you
    At least you got friends

    You see I called my old lady
    For a friendly word
    She picked up the phone
    Dropped it on the floor
    (Ah, ah) is all I heard

    Are we gonna let the elevator
    Bring us down
    Oh, no let’s go!

    Let’s go crazy
    Let’s get nuts
    Let’s look for the purple banana
    ‘Til they put us in the truck, let’s go!

    We’re all excited
    But we don’t know why
    Maybe it’s ’cause
    We’re all gonna die

    And when we do (When we do)
    What’s it all for (What’s it all for)
    You better live now
    Before the grim reaper come knocking on your door

    Tell me, are we gonna let the elevator bring us down
    Oh, no let’s go!

    Let’s go crazy
    Let’s get nuts
    Look for the purple banana
    ‘Til they put us in the truck, let’s go!

    C’mon baby
    Let’s get nuts
    Yeah
    Crazy

    Let’s go crazy

    Are we gonna let the elevator bring us down
    Oh, no let’s go!
    Go crazy

    I said let’s go crazy (Go crazy)
    Let’s go, let’s go
    Go
    Let’s go

    Dr. Everything’ll be alright
    Will make everything go wrong
    Pills and thrills and daffodils will kill
    Hang tough children

    He’s coming
    He’s coming
    Coming

    Take me away!

    Read more: Prince – Let’s Go Crazy Lyrics | MetroLyrics

  3. Let's Play Hockey

    Before the puck drops at every Wild game everyone takes part in the “Let’s Play Hockey” chant. Join in with Wild fans on this chant that gets everyone ready to watch the game.

    Let’s Play Hockey!

Wild Bars & Restaurants

  1. Pazzaluna

    Pazzaluna

    A wide-ranging Italian menu plus wine in a contemporary space with tall columns & colorful murals.

    360 St Peter St, St Paul, MN 55102, USA

    651-223-7000

    Bar website

    italian - $$$

  2. DeGidio’s Restaurant & Bar

    DeGidios Bar and Restaurant

    Enduring, family-run eatery & bar serving Italian classics & some American food in a casual space.

    425 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102, USA

    651-291-7105

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  3. Chicago’s Taste Authority

    CHris And Robs

    Local chain serving Chicago-style hot dogs, sausages & sandwiches in a low-key setting.

    603 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102, USA

    651-228-9347

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. Mancini’s Char House

    Manchins

    Family-run staple presenting charbroiled steaks & lobsters in a timeless space with live music.

    531 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102, USA

    651-224-7345

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$

  5. Red River Kitchen

    Red River Kitchen

    A MN food truck story: catering, private parties, off-site liquor catering, taprooms

    258 Walnut St, St Paul, MN 55102, USA

    -

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Downtowner Woodfire Grill

    Downtowner Woodfire

    Elegant Persian eatery preparing steaks, kebabs & pizza with a traditional oak-burning grill.

    253 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102, USA

    651-228-9500

    Bar website

    asian - $$

  7. Kincaid’s

    Kincaids

    Branch of an upscale American chain preparing steaks, seafood & cocktails in a sophisticated space.

    380 St Peter St, St Paul, MN 55102, USA

    651-602-9000

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Mickey’s Diner

    Mickeys Diner

    24-hour landmark diner features a wide variety of traditional comfort dishes in a vintage train car.

    36 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102, USA

    651-222-5633

    Bar website

    american - $

  9. Cossetta Alimentari

    pasta

    Part of an Italian food complex, this cafeteria-style setup serves classic pastas, hot subs & pizza.

    211 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102, USA

    651-222-3476

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  10. Eagle Street Grille

    Eagle Street Grille

    Eagle Street Grille features a mob-themed menu. Referencing St. Paul’s notorious reputation in the 1930’s.

    174 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102, USA

    651-225-1382

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Amsterdam Bar & Hall

    Amsterdam bar

    Belgian beer & Dutch food in a hip, dark music hall hosting local bands on 2 stages & trivia nights.

    6 W 6th St, St Paul, MN 55102, USA

    612-285-3112

    Bar website

    european - $$

  12. Rival House

    Rival House

    Cool, retro-style spot for wood-fired pizza, clever cocktails & craft beer, plus Ping-Pong & darts.

    411 Minnesota St, St Paul, MN 55101, USA

    651-255-0645

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  13. Burger Moe’s

    beer

    Hamburger restaurant with a sports-bar vibe featuring multiple televisions & a long list of beers.

    242 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102, USA

    651-222-3100

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  14. Meritage

    Meritage

    Polished French bistro featuring a seasonal menu, an oyster bar, long wine list & sidewalk seating.

    410 St Peter St, St Paul, MN 55102, USA

    651-222-5670

    Bar website

    european - $$$