I've been to about a 3rd of the NHL arenas and the Xcel is definitely my favorite (with the exception of Cbus of course, go Jackets!). The atmosphere is insane and the fans are so into every second of the game. I really want to try to get back up there for another game some time next year. Nice Shorsey jersey on the guy in front of you too lol
The dedication from the fans was crazy. I think that’s because hockey is so deeply weaved into the culture there where it’s not like that in a lot of other NHL cities.
@@Too-Odd I hate to be that guy, but we didn't. Ice hockey is largely a Canadian and North American thing, and ice hockey as a sport really wasn't popularized in any Nordic country until after it had taken already taken root over here. Ice hockey is a mishmash of a bunch of different sports, but at its heart it's mostly shinny, bandy, hurling, and lacrosse -- all of which have Scotch/English/Irish/indigenous roots. Despite how we love to mythologize our Nordicness, when it comes to hockey, we were already busy putting proverbial puck in net before they got in on it.
@@niclas9990 While I understand your point, my point was in regards to the tradition of ice skating in general. Ice skating and skating games developed in Nordic countries about 1000 BC. That's about 2,500 years before Europeans came to the Americas. Hockey as we know it came much later.
Having gone to 11 games this year alone, I feel like the only thing the X is lacking is the food BUT it is affordable. I’ve tried a variety of foods there and you picked the best one! If you ever go back to the Xcel: 1. I’d go to the High School Hockey tournament nicknamed the tourney. Great atmosphere for high school and the biggest high school event in the U.S. and it isn’t close lol. 2. Id go on hockey day Minnesota. It’s a celebration of hockey in the state and they have outdoor games during the day with the finale at the Xcel and it’s always extra hype. 3. Go to a playoff game. The X atmosphere at a playoff game is ELECTRIC!!!! Love the vids!
Thanks so much! I would absolutely love to go to the tourney and hockey day in Minnesota. A playoff game would be super hard to swing but a fantastic experience. I hope you’re able to get to at least one of their playoff games this year! Should be electric!
I’ve been to 17 this year, you gotta try the Loaded Philly Chips on the 100 Level deck over between Gates 2 and 3. They’re located at the Philly Post. Super freaking good
I'm in California and I play hockey. I've been to Minnesota several times and have attended 3 Wild games. Great arena, great atmosphere but THE best hockey to watch there is the Boys Highschool hockey tourny.
@@SACSportsAdventuresman they had to kick out a whole section that was reserved for college students cause their chants starting getting rlly bad😭 but yea then you have the 2 teams colors for the fans so since the arena is half and half for that it looks super cool. Many famous people go and just normally 20,100 people in attendance for that and I’ve also been to highest attended wild game game 6 round 2 against the Blackhawks 2014 still got my towel but that one they said that day was the record and I also was on the wild home page cause we were stuck in line waiting for food and we tied the game 2-2 in the 3rd and I started losing my shit in line and photographer got it and I was used on the homepage which is kinda cool.
Last year I was at the Xcel Energy center for my first NHL game. Should I head back here next spring for another NHL game? Go Wild. I loved everything that was in there. Keep up the great work.
Good review. Looks like a sweet stadium with great energy! Scoreboard seems a little small for modern day standards. Will be there next month for first time.
You should check out or high school hockey tournament next year! It’s pretty unique! I would love to see your review of Minnesota United’s Allianz Field in St. Paul
It’s worth noting that when the twin cities hosted the Republican National Convention in 2008, they chose to use this arena instead of Target Center. I think the attached convention center and theaters might have also factored in (good places for media workspaces and other things needed for a convention). But I think it simply was felt it was a better venue.
@@SACSportsAdventuresyou really should go during the High School Tourney, the convention center connected is packed to the brim with the best hockey vendors and activities! Multiple videos alone could be made in there
I'm originally from Canada and have been living in Minnesota for the last 10 years. It's a great arena. No question. I just find that the fans are pretty tame here compared to where I'm from. I was used to going to WHL games and everyone goes nuts throughout the entire game. Not to say it's a bad thing. If I take my kid to a Wild game, I'd prefer to not be surrounded by drunken, cursing maniacs. So it works out.
Agreed. As a Minnesotan who's been to Canada for extended stays, I'd say that Minnesotans behave the way many (hailing from neither place) would imagine Canadians must act at a sports event, while many Canadians actually completely lose their minds (before going back to intense pleasantness when normal life resumes). Watching a sporting event go either way isn't much to get unduly excited about, our inner Minnesotan reminds us.
That’s a pretty fair assessment. It’s wasn’t an unruly crowd at all but they bring a lot of positive energy and I think that really stands out. The only game I’ve been to in Canada was OHL and it was really tame.
Next college basketball season I would highly suggest taking a trip to East Lansing and going to a Michigan State basketball game, the enviorment is awesome and unlike anything I've seen.
One of my friends was out there this winter and said it was amazing. I’m a Milwaukee Admirals season ticket holder so obviously cheering against the Firebirds for now. Haha!
@@SACSportsAdventures they play it right before the start of play between periods. It is a great song and really gets me back into that hockey spirit after the wait!
Noooooo... While I love the wild and they are quite popular, I don't think NHL hockey is nearly as big as college and youth hockey. The wild even own their own Jr. Ice hockey club in the NAHL.
Minnesota sucks at hockey. Come on. The wild and north stars have done absolutely nothing and the gophers have done nothing for 20 years. What a complete joke for a hockey state. Lol
I’d honestly have to say that the Pregame show and intro presentation was better 10 years ago. It was far more intense than it is now which I thought got the crowd going and the team more energy like this one th-cam.com/video/-i7ssRr50rM/w-d-xo.htmlsi=W0RRgE970vqRZC9S also to me it’s what makes me think gave them their playoff success.
I'm no hockey fan but i absolutely love the Minnesota wild's arena, i love their arena and atmosphere so much
I've been to about a 3rd of the NHL arenas and the Xcel is definitely my favorite (with the exception of Cbus of course, go Jackets!). The atmosphere is insane and the fans are so into every second of the game. I really want to try to get back up there for another game some time next year. Nice Shorsey jersey on the guy in front of you too lol
The dedication from the fans was crazy. I think that’s because hockey is so deeply weaved into the culture there where it’s not like that in a lot of other NHL cities.
@@SACSportsAdventures Minnesota imported hockey culture from Nordic countries. Every community has an ice rink or two.
@@Too-Odd I hate to be that guy, but we didn't. Ice hockey is largely a Canadian and North American thing, and ice hockey as a sport really wasn't popularized in any Nordic country until after it had taken already taken root over here. Ice hockey is a mishmash of a bunch of different sports, but at its heart it's mostly shinny, bandy, hurling, and lacrosse -- all of which have Scotch/English/Irish/indigenous roots. Despite how we love to mythologize our Nordicness, when it comes to hockey, we were already busy putting proverbial puck in net before they got in on it.
@@niclas9990 While I understand your point, my point was in regards to the tradition of ice skating in general. Ice skating and skating games developed in Nordic countries about 1000 BC. That's about 2,500 years before Europeans came to the Americas. Hockey as we know it came much later.
Standing room only tickets are pretty solid but love the bar top seats on the top level.
I love how they have those different options that most places don’t have and they still have great views!
Great video! I love this arena.
Thanks! It really is a great place to watch hockey.
Having gone to 11 games this year alone, I feel like the only thing the X is lacking is the food BUT it is affordable. I’ve tried a variety of foods there and you picked the best one! If you ever go back to the Xcel:
1. I’d go to the High School Hockey tournament nicknamed the tourney. Great atmosphere for high school and the biggest high school event in the U.S. and it isn’t close lol.
2. Id go on hockey day Minnesota. It’s a celebration of hockey in the state and they have outdoor games during the day with the finale at the Xcel and it’s always extra hype.
3. Go to a playoff game. The X atmosphere at a playoff game is ELECTRIC!!!! Love the vids!
Thanks so much! I would absolutely love to go to the tourney and hockey day in Minnesota. A playoff game would be super hard to swing but a fantastic experience. I hope you’re able to get to at least one of their playoff games this year! Should be electric!
I’ve been to 17 this year, you gotta try the Loaded Philly Chips on the 100 Level deck over between Gates 2 and 3. They’re located at the Philly Post. Super freaking good
Fantastic videos man! Love how you show all aspects of the places you visit, it really brings us into the experience. Keep it up brotha!
Thanks so much, my dude! I’ve got lots more good stuff coming up soon!
@@SACSportsAdventures hell yeah man. Hope you can make it out to Colorado sometime!
I love this channel really good and underrated gr from Amsterdam
Thanks so much! Bedankt! My moms Dutch so that’s super cool that you’re from Amsterdam. I have a ton of relatives still over in Nederland.
I'm in California and I play hockey. I've been to Minnesota several times and have attended 3 Wild games. Great arena, great atmosphere but THE best hockey to watch there is the Boys Highschool hockey tourny.
That’s awesome! I hope to make it to the tourney someday and cover it.
@@SACSportsAdventuresman they had to kick out a whole section that was reserved for college students cause their chants starting getting rlly bad😭 but yea then you have the 2 teams colors for the fans so since the arena is half and half for that it looks super cool. Many famous people go and just normally 20,100 people in attendance for that and I’ve also been to highest attended wild game game 6 round 2 against the Blackhawks 2014 still got my towel but that one they said that day was the record and I also was on the wild home page cause we were stuck in line waiting for food and we tied the game 2-2 in the 3rd and I started losing my shit in line and photographer got it and I was used on the homepage which is kinda cool.
When I went it was crazy. They got the arena and atmosphere down. All they need is a playoff win. That would be the cherry on top
AGREED! They do a great job with fan engagement during the games.
Last year I was at the Xcel Energy center for my first NHL game. Should I head back here next spring for another NHL game? Go Wild. I loved everything that was in there. Keep up the great work.
YES! Totally worth the visit! It’s my favourite NHL rink I’ve visited thus far.
LETS GO WILDDD
Heck yeah! Great place and great people!
The best hockey bar is about 3 blocks down the street called Tom Reid’s. Hockey decore on every inch of the walls and ceiling
That’s awesome! I’ll remember that for next time. Thanks so much!
That crowds incredible, reminds me of the World Juniors!
Agreed! Everybody so into it and it feels like a party atmosphere!
It’s the best crowd in the entire NHL, anyone who disagrees with me is lying and in denial.
The best Canadian hockey experience south of Canada
Well put! I think I’d agree with that!
I’m a fan of the Minnesota wild and I love the arena
Such a great barn!
WOW! Looks like very cool Hockey Arena you want to visit or even play there🤩 Hard to be topped by Canada I think..😁
It’s a fantastic venue! I haven’t been to any Canadian NHL arenas yet for comparison.
I think Minnesota tops even some Canadian cities.
This is EXCELLENT 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿 Thank You 🙏🏿
Glad you enjoyed. Thanks so much!
Come back during the high school tourney!
Ooooh! I would love to. The atmosphere is insane for that!
Good review. Looks like a sweet stadium with great energy! Scoreboard seems a little small for modern day standards. Will be there next month for first time.
Thanks so much! I think you may be right about the score board. Enjoy your visit!
You should go to Rogers place
Oooooh! That’s on my bucket list.
Great Review!
Thanks so much!
You should check out or high school hockey tournament next year! It’s pretty unique!
I would love to see your review of Minnesota United’s Allianz Field in St. Paul
I recently moved to St. Paul and converted the state tourney for Pulltab Sports. Really want to get out to a Looks game this year.
It’s worth noting that when the twin cities hosted the Republican National Convention in 2008, they chose to use this arena instead of Target Center.
I think the attached convention center and theaters might have also factored in (good places for media workspaces and other things needed for a convention). But I think it simply was felt it was a better venue.
That’s a great point!
@@SACSportsAdventuresyou really should go during the High School Tourney, the convention center connected is packed to the brim with the best hockey vendors and activities! Multiple videos alone could be made in there
I'm originally from Canada and have been living in Minnesota for the last 10 years. It's a great arena. No question. I just find that the fans are pretty tame here compared to where I'm from. I was used to going to WHL games and everyone goes nuts throughout the entire game. Not to say it's a bad thing. If I take my kid to a Wild game, I'd prefer to not be surrounded by drunken, cursing maniacs. So it works out.
Minnesota fans tend to be reserved lol
Agreed. As a Minnesotan who's been to Canada for extended stays, I'd say that Minnesotans behave the way many (hailing from neither place) would imagine Canadians must act at a sports event, while many Canadians actually completely lose their minds (before going back to intense pleasantness when normal life resumes). Watching a sporting event go either way isn't much to get unduly excited about, our inner Minnesotan reminds us.
That’s a pretty fair assessment. It’s wasn’t an unruly crowd at all but they bring a lot of positive energy and I think that really stands out. The only game I’ve been to in Canada was OHL and it was really tame.
Come on back for the HS hockey tournament! This is fun, the tournament is better.
I was there covering it for Pulltab Sports on social media last year. Went to every single game. It was amazing!
Next college basketball season I would highly suggest taking a trip to East Lansing and going to a Michigan State basketball game, the enviorment is awesome and unlike anything I've seen.
Oh! That’s a great idea! I’ll keep that in mind and see if I can work something out. Thanks so much!
12:25 I was the guy taking a pic with Nordy😂😂😂😂😂😂
Hahaha! That’s awesome!
Come out to the Acrisure Arena for the fun we are having with our new ahl coachella valley firebirds
One of my friends was out there this winter and said it was amazing. I’m a Milwaukee Admirals season ticket holder so obviously cheering against the Firebirds for now. Haha!
@SAC Sports Adventures ive been to Milwaukee was in appleton with a buddy, and i had the best pabst blue ribbon on draft at Jacksons in Milwaukee
One thing you should know. Is when the wild are loosing the arena gets really quite.
Great arena. But why, why on earth would you choose that song to be played when players come on the ice?!
the bars are on W 7th street, just past the curved glass! check out tom reid's if you ever go back!
Thanks so much! I’ll keep that in mind!
Minnesota supports their hockey more than certain Canadian cities.
I agree! Fantastic support and positive energy all around.
Minnesota fans deserve better than what the Wild have given them.
Yeah… It’s unfortunate they haven’t won a series since 2015.
nice vid
Thanks so much, my dude!
The wild used to do a song before the game or in the second intermission and I’m pretty sure I was at this game
Nice!!
Not all the high schools unfortunately. They have neglected some.
Ah. Sorry, did your school get left off?
Vancouver next!
I’d love to but it’ll be hard getting out there since I live in Wisconsin.
Vancouver’s hockey scene sucks. Minnesota’s far better
@@jakearsenta2144 I agree with that I just wanted him to because it's the closest NHL team to me and the only NHL arena I've been to
The only thing I'm disappointed with in this video is you didn't highlight the "State of Hockey" music video. Come back to the X any time!
Thanks so much! What’s the music video? Is that like the hype video before the game or something else?
@@SACSportsAdventures th-cam.com/video/nvxQa9Z7z6g/w-d-xo.html
Plays before every game
@@SACSportsAdventures they play it right before the start of play between periods. It is a great song and really gets me back into that hockey spirit after the wait!
10:50 Minnesota and Buffalo unite.
That was my exact thought as well! Haha
First again!🎉
Heck yeah! That’s what we like to see!
If you can own a hockey stadium you don't need public money to build a power plant
Noooooo... While I love the wild and they are quite popular, I don't think NHL hockey is nearly as big as college and youth hockey. The wild even own their own Jr. Ice hockey club in the NAHL.
I’d agree with that. The youth hockey culture in Minnesota is next level.
10:45 is cap. Shout is a terrible goal song and they should also change the goal animation on the jumbo from to the old siren look animation
Haha! To each their own.
this blog makes me dizzy
Ah. Sorry about that. What about it makes you dizzy? Thanks for the feedback.
My favorite thing about Xcel is all the Stanley Cup banners in the rafters. Definitely proves the "State of Hockey" self proclamation they have
Hahaha! Dang! Shots fired!
@@SACSportsAdventures Next up is Ball Arena, it's a must visit.
Lol nice try. It’s about much more than the NHL ya noob
Minnesota sucks at hockey. Come on. The wild and north stars have done absolutely nothing and the gophers have done nothing for 20 years. What a complete joke for a hockey state. Lol
I assume you were glad to see the Gophers OT loss over the weekend? Haha
I’d honestly have to say that the Pregame show and intro presentation was better 10 years ago. It was far more intense than it is now which I thought got the crowd going and the team more energy like this one th-cam.com/video/-i7ssRr50rM/w-d-xo.htmlsi=W0RRgE970vqRZC9S also to me it’s what makes me think gave them their playoff success.
4:20 Man, that "food" isn't good for you at all.
Yeah, I know. The hot dog was super good though! Don’t worry, I don’t eat that kind of stuff often. Just when reviewing.