How Much Is Parking at Xcel Energy Center?
Parking near Xcel Energy Center ranges from roughly $15 to $40 per event, depending on how close you park and whether you prepay.
The two ramps directly connected to the arena — the RiverCentre Parking Ramp and the Kellogg Underground Parking — are the most convenient and typically command the highest event-day prices, often landing in the $25–$40 range for Minnesota Wild games. Prepaying online is the easiest way to shave money off those rates. For example, early reservations at the RiverCentre Ramp can start as low as $17 through third-party booking platforms like SpotHero or ParkWhiz when booked well ahead of the game.
Third-party surface lots and Independent ramps scattered across downtown Saint Paul generally run $15–$25. Interstate Parking operates several facilities nearby with daily rates starting around $15 during events. Drive-up rates at any lot on game night will be higher than prepaid prices, so booking in advance is always the smarter play for Wild games.
Xcel Energy Center Parking Lots and Maps
Xcel Energy Center does not have its own on-site parking structure, but two ramps are physically connected to the arena complex via climate-controlled skyways, making them the closest and most practical options.
The RiverCentre Parking Ramp (Lot #149) is located at 150 Kellogg Boulevard West, directly across the street from the arena. It connects to the arena via skyway and has two entrances: an upper entrance on Kellogg Boulevard and a lower entrance at the intersection of Eagle Street and Chestnut Street. The Kellogg Underground Parking Ramp (Lot #150) is located at 129 Kellogg Boulevard West and is situated right at the venue, accepting most major credit cards. Both ramps are fully serviced.
Beyond those two, downtown Saint Paul offers dozens of additional garages and surface lots within easy walking distance. The Lawson Commons ramp, 411 Cedar Street, and 56 E. 6th Street are among the options the arena’s official website highlights. Interstate Parking operates multiple facilities in the area with event parking available. Because nearly every ramp in downtown St. Paul connects to the arena via the skyway system — five miles of indoor walkways — even a ramp that appears several blocks away on a map can deliver a warm, covered walk to your gate.
Preferred/Premium Parking at Xcel Energy Center
The closest premium parking to the arena is the Kellogg Underground Parking Ramp, which sits literally at the edge of the Xcel Energy Center complex and offers the shortest walk of any lot in the area.
The RiverCentre Parking Ramp is the other top-tier option and is widely considered the best overall choice for most fans — it offers skyway connectivity, elevator access, and ADA-accessible spaces. Parking at the RiverCentre can be reserved online ahead of time for select events through the Xcel Energy Center website, though reservations are not always available for Minnesota Wild regular-season games. In those cases, platforms like SpotHero and ParkWhiz list prepaid spaces at both ramps.
Fans looking for a valet option should note that the Lowry Garage offers a valet parking service on game days. Monthly contract parking is also available at the RiverCentre Parking Ramp — call 651-223-5795 for details. Fans who want guaranteed event-day spots at the premium ramps should plan to book as early as possible, as both lots fill quickly on high-demand Wild nights.
Free Parking Near Xcel Energy Center
Free parking near Xcel Energy Center exists but requires either a longer walk or careful timing — it is not available in the immediate arena blocks.
Downtown parking meters are in effect between 8 AM and 10 PM Monday through Saturday. After 6 PM, event rates typically kick in at metered spots, but some free options emerge farther from the arena. Heading north of I-35E opens up residential streets where most blocks do not have parking restrictions — though this adds a 10-to-15-minute walk each way. Always check posted signs carefully before leaving your car.
Fans willing to walk can also find budget-friendly ramps well outside the immediate perimeter. Interstate Parking lists some of its facilities with daily rates starting as low as $4, though those are daily non-event rates. On Wild game nights, any lot within a five-minute walk will charge event pricing. The tradeoff for free or cheap parking is distance and a cold walk in Minnesota winters — the skyway system helps once you reach a connected ramp, but getting to a skyway entrance from a free street spot still means time outdoors.
Can You Tailgate at Xcel Energy Center?
Traditional tailgating is not permitted inside the covered parking ramps attached to Xcel Energy Center, but some third-party surface lots in the area do allow it.
The two official connected ramps — RiverCentre and Kellogg — are covered garage structures, and tailgating in covered ramps is prohibited. Some privately operated surface lots near the arena advertise tailgating access; these typically post signage or list the policy when you book online. If tailgating in a surface lot is allowed, there are still rules to follow: open-flame grilling and wood-burning fires are not permitted, and tailgaters must use charcoal or propane grills. Sound-amplifying equipment is also prohibited in and around the ramps.
For most Wild fans, the pregame tradition centers on the bars and restaurants along West 7th Street near the arena rather than a parking lot. Spots like Tom Reid’s Hockey City Pub, The Liffey Irish Pub, Patrick McGovern’s Pub, and Cosetta’s Italian Restaurant are all within walking distance and provide a warm alternative to a cold-weather tailgate. Tailgating is not permitted during or after events in any lot.
ADA and Handicap Parking at Xcel Energy Center
ADA-accessible parking is available at both the RiverCentre Parking Ramp and the Kellogg Underground Parking Ramp on a first-come, first-served basis.
The RiverCentre Parking Ramp is the most recommended option for guests with mobility needs — it has elevator access directly to the arena’s event facilities and is the most accessible route into the building. A valid disabled parking permit or placard with a matching ID is required to use these spaces. Because ADA spots are limited and fill quickly on game days, arriving early and pre-booking a spot through SpotHero or a similar platform is strongly advised.
An accessible drop-off area is located at Gate 1 — the southeast entrance of Xcel Energy Center at 175 West Kellogg Boulevard. Note that for some events, Kellogg Boulevard is closed to vehicle traffic during pedestrian-heavy postgame periods, which can affect pickup at that gate. Guests who need a wheelchair escort inside the arena can contact Guest Services by calling 651-726-8200. Elevators are located throughout the arena and provide access to all public areas. Fans seeking oversized vehicle parking should contact Union Depot Lot D at least 24 hours in advance to make arrangements.
Uber and Lyft Drop-Off at Xcel Energy Center
The official rideshare drop-off and pickup zone for Minnesota Wild games and all Xcel Energy Center events is Gate 4, located at the northeast corner of the arena on 5th Street.
Gate 4 is near section 120 and the Michelob Golden Light Taphouse, making it easy to identify on arrival. Both Uber and Lyft serve this location. Lyft is the official rideshare partner of the Minnesota Wild, so fans who use Lyft will be directed to this same gate. New Lyft users can use code MINWILD for a discount on their first rides.
Ridesharing is one of the best options for Wild games, particularly in winter — it eliminates the need to hunt for parking, sidesteps exit traffic after the final buzzer, and drops you steps from the gate. Booking your return ride before the third period ends is a smart move, as demand spikes sharply the moment the game wraps up.
Public Transit to Xcel Energy Center
Public transit is one of the most practical ways to reach Xcel Energy Center, and the arena is well served by both the Metro Transit Green Line light rail and multiple bus routes.
The Metro Transit Green Line runs through downtown Saint Paul and stops at Central Station, which is approximately a 10-minute walk from the arena. Green Line trains connect Saint Paul to Minneapolis, making this a convenient option for fans traveling from across the Twin Cities metro. Metro Transit one-way fares are $2.00 during off-peak hours and $2.50 during peak times. Bus riders have multiple options as well — the nearest bus stop at 5th Street and Washington is roughly a two-minute walk from the arena. Metro Transit’s online Trip Planner at metrotransit.org can build a custom route from any point in the metro.
The St. Paul Skyway System is another transit-friendly asset. Five miles of award-winning enclosed skyway connect downtown buildings — including many parking ramps — to the arena, letting fans walk indoors and avoid the elements entirely. If you park at a connected ramp or get dropped off nearby, the skyway is the most comfortable way to reach your gate on a cold Minnesota night.
Xcel Energy Center Parking Tips
The single best move any Wild fan can make is booking a prepaid parking spot before game day — it saves money, guarantees your space, and cuts time spent circling downtown Saint Paul.
For the closest and most comfortable experience, target the RiverCentre Parking Ramp or Kellogg Underground Parking first. Both connect to the arena via climate-controlled skyway, which is invaluable when temperatures drop below zero. Book through SpotHero, ParkWhiz, or ParkMobile early in the week — rates climb as game day approaches and lots near the arena fill fast. If both ramps are sold out, the Lawson Commons ramp, 411 Cedar Street garage, and Interstate Parking facilities downtown are solid fallback options with skyway access.
Budget-conscious fans who do not mind a longer walk can find street parking north of I-35E in residential areas where restrictions are minimal, then take Metro Transit’s Green Line from a nearby station to avoid the postgame exit crunch entirely. Regardless of where you park, plan to arrive at least 60–90 minutes before puck drop for high-profile Wild matchups — the streets around Xcel fill quickly and pregame traffic on Kellogg Boulevard can be significant. Fans with oversized vehicles must call Union Depot Lot D at least 24 hours ahead to make arrangements, as the official ramps cannot accommodate them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there parking directly at Xcel Energy Center?
Xcel Energy Center does not have its own on-site parking lot, but two ramps are directly connected to the arena complex via indoor skyways: the RiverCentre Parking Ramp at 150 Kellogg Boulevard West and the Kellogg Underground Parking at 129 Kellogg Boulevard West. Both are within steps of the arena and are the closest parking options available.
How much does parking cost at Xcel Energy Center for a Wild game?
Parking for Minnesota Wild games typically ranges from $15 to $40 depending on the lot and how far in advance you book. The connected RiverCentre and Kellogg ramps command premium prices, while independent garages and surface lots farther from the arena cost less. Prepaying online can get you into the RiverCentre ramp for as low as $17 when booked early.
Can you tailgate at Xcel Energy Center?
Tailgating is not permitted in the covered parking ramps connected to Xcel Energy Center. Some third-party surface lots in the area do allow tailgating and advertise it when booking. If tailgating is permitted, open flames and wood-burning fires are banned u2014 only charcoal or propane grills are allowed, and sound-amplifying equipment is prohibited.
Where is the Uber and Lyft drop-off at Xcel Energy Center?
The official rideshare pickup and drop-off zone is Gate 4 at the northeast corner of Xcel Energy Center on 5th Street, near section 120 and the Michelob Golden Light Taphouse. Lyft is the official rideshare partner of the Minnesota Wild.
Is there ADA parking at Xcel Energy Center?
Yes. ADA-accessible parking is available at both the RiverCentre Parking Ramp and the Kellogg Underground Parking Ramp on a first-come, first-served basis. The RiverCentre Ramp is the recommended option as it has elevator access to the arena’s event facilities. A valid disabled parking permit or placard with matching ID is required.
What is the best way to get to Xcel Energy Center without driving?
The Metro Transit Green Line light rail is the easiest transit option u2014 Central Station is about a 10-minute walk from the arena, with fares starting at $2.00. Multiple Metro Transit bus lines also serve downtown Saint Paul, with the closest stop at 5th Street and Washington, just a two-minute walk from the arena.
Can I prepay for parking at Xcel Energy Center?
Yes. Prepaid parking is available through third-party platforms including SpotHero, ParkWhiz, and ParkMobile for most events at Xcel Energy Center. Prepaying locks in your spot and typically saves money compared to drive-up rates. The RiverCentre Parking Ramp can also be reserved directly through the Xcel Energy Center website for select non-Wild events.
Where can oversized vehicles park near Xcel Energy Center?
Oversized vehicle parking is not available at the official connected ramps. Fans with oversized vehicles should contact Union Depot Lot D at least 24 hours before the event to make advance arrangements; prepayment is required when reserving.
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