Going to a Minnesota Wild Hockey Game or another event at the Xcel Energy Center in downtown St. Paul? Here’s all you need to know about parking for the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

Closest Parking Ramps

The closest parking ramps to the Xcel Energy Center are the River Center ramp—opposite from the Xcel Center across Kellogg Boulevard—and the Science Museum of Minnesota ramp right next to that. There is another parking ramp opposite the Xcel Energy Center on the other side of West Seventh Street. Additionally, there is an event parking lot immediately north of the Xcel Energy Center. Consequently, these ramps tend to fill fast during Minnesota Wild games and other Xcel Energy Center events.

Parking Ramps in Downtown St. Paul

Unless you are swift, it may be challenging to secure a space in a ramp immediately adjacent to the Xcel Energy Center. However, there are nearly 50 other parking ramps in downtown St. Paul available. Parking ramps in St. Paul are connected all or most of the way to the Xcel Energy Center via the Skyway system. Here’s a map of downtown St. Paul parking ramps and parking fees for each ramp.

Parking Meters in Downtown St. Paul

If you are lucky, you might find free parking in downtown St. Paul for the Xcel Energy Center. Parking meters in downtown St. Paul are enforced Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Therefore, if you visit during evening events or on Sundays, you can often find free street parking at the Xcel Energy Center. Additionally, parking meters are not enforced on federal holidays.

Event Parking Lots

Several businesses on West Seventh Street, the road that heads southwest from the Xcel Energy Center, temporarily open their lots for guests during large events. Parking costs are usually around $10 to $15, providing a convenient option near the venue. There are a couple of similar lots signposted from Kellogg Boulevard heading northwest away from the Xcel Energy Center.

Street Parking

Street parking in the residential neighborhood southwest of the Xcel Energy Center along West Seventh Street, between I-35 and the Mississippi River, is limited. This measure is specifically designed to prevent patrons of the Xcel Energy Center and downtown St. Paul workers from using local residents’ parking spaces. However, some free street parking options for the Xcel Energy Center can be found just a short walk away. The closest non-restricted street parking is available north of I-35, in the streets around Summit Avenue and Selby Avenue. Nevertheless, be alert for some restrictions near the Cathedral of St. Paul, as most residential streets on the opposite side of I-35 do not have any parking restrictions. This neighborhood is conveniently about a 10- to 15-minute walk to the Xcel Energy Center, and it’s downhill all the way there.

Shuttle Buses to the Xcel Energy Center

If you are attending a Minnesota Wild game, several local bars in St. Paul offer free shuttles to the Xcel Energy Center. This option is especially convenient for fans looking to enjoy the game without the hassle of parking.

Taking the Bus

An alternative to parking is riding the bus to downtown St. Paul. This can be a convenient option, as several Metro Transit bus routes run directly by the Xcel Energy Center’s entrance. Moreover, for Minnesota Wild fans, riding any Metro Transit bus or train is free with a Minnesota Wild ticket or ticket stub for that day’s game. This makes public transportation an attractive option for those attending events at the Xcel Energy Center.