Minnesota Wild Game Tickets NHL Weekend: Best Eats, Sights, and Game Day Fun

Overview

Planning a weekend around Minnesota Wild game tickets  for Xcel Energy Center is more than just attending an NHL matchup — it’s about soaking up the passion, history, and atmosphere of the “State of Hockey.” This 3-day itinerary is designed for fans who want the perfect blend of live hockey, local flavors, and unforgettable Twin Cities experiences.

Day 1 — Welcome to Saint Paul

From the moment you step into Saint Paul, the energy is electric. Streets are lined with Wild banners, locals are in team jerseys, and you can feel the anticipation building for game day.

Where to Stay Near Xcel Energy Center

Booking a hotel within walking distance makes the whole weekend with Minnesota Wild game tickets smoother:

• The Saint Paul Hotel – Classic elegance and unmatched service.

• Holiday Inn St. Paul Downtown – Affordable comfort directly across from the arena.

• Hampton Inn & Suites St. Paul Downtown – Cozy rooms, free breakfast, and a short stroll to the game.

Afternoon Exploration

Ease into your trip with a relaxed walking tour of the Lowertown Historic District, where converted warehouses now house art galleries, coffee shops, and breweries. It’s the perfect area to grab a coffee and start taking in the local scene.

Dinner to Kick Off the Weekend

Your first night in Saint Paul sets the tone for the entire trip, and with Minnesota Wild game tickets in your pocket, you’ll want a dinner experience that feels just as special as the game ahead. Fortunately, the city’s downtown dining scene delivers — from high-end steakhouses to lively hockey pubs.

🍽 The St. Paul Grill – Refined dining with a Midwest touch
A Saint Paul institution, The St. Paul Grill is known for its classic, upscale ambiance and attentive service. It’s the kind of place where you can dress sharp, enjoy a perfectly mixed cocktail, and start your NHL weekend in style.

Menu highlights:

• Dry-Aged Ribeye – 14 ounces of melt-in-your-mouth perfection, served with béarnaise sauce.

• Walleye Amandine – A nod to Minnesota’s state fish, lightly breaded and topped with toasted almonds.

• French Onion Soup – Rich, savory, and topped with bubbling Gruyère cheese.

Insider pick: Their Old Fashioned is considered one of the best in the Twin Cities, using top-shelf bourbon and house-made bitters.

Why it’s great: The white tablecloth atmosphere and historic hotel location make it a perfect “night one” experience before your Minnesota Wild game tickets get put to use.

🍷 Meritage – Elegant French cuisine for a special occasion
Meritage is where Twin Cities foodies go for refined flavors and a Parisian-inspired dining room that feels worlds away from the Midwest.

Menu highlights:

• Oysters on the Half Shell – Flown in fresh daily, paired with house mignonette sauce.

• Duck à l’Orange – Crispy skin, tender meat, and a citrus glaze that balances richness and brightness.

• Steak Frites – Seared hanger steak with hand-cut fries and herb butter.

Insider pick: Ask for the Seasonal Chef’s Tasting Menu — a multi-course surprise that showcases the chef’s best dishes of the moment. Pair it with their French 75 cocktail for a sparkling start to the night.

Why it’s great: The quiet sophistication here makes it a great place for celebrating big moments, like finally scoring hard-to-get Minnesota Wild game tickets for a rivalry matchup.

🍺 Patrick McGovern’s Pub – Hockey-friendly atmosphere with hearty pub fare
If you prefer your first night to be more laid-back, Patrick McGovern’s is where the hockey crowd gathers. It’s cozy, casual, and full of locals talking Wild stats over plates of comfort food.

Menu highlights:

• Hot Turkey Sandwich – A house specialty served open-faced with mashed potatoes and rich gravy.

• Reuben Sandwich – Stacked high with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing.

• Wild Rice Soup – Creamy and hearty, a Minnesota classic.

Insider pick: Order the McGovern’s Bloody Mary — garnished with everything from a pickle spear to a beef stick — and you’ll have a built-in appetizer in your glass.

Why it’s great: It’s within walking distance of Xcel Energy Center, so you’ll be in the heart of the action and likely surrounded by fans who also have Minnesota Wild game tickets in their pocket.

✨ Pro Tip: If you’re visiting during the winter, make sure to take a short walk to Rice Park after dinner. The park’s massive trees are wrapped in thousands of twinkling white lights, creating a postcard-perfect winter scene. It’s a romantic and photo-worthy way to cap off your first evening before diving into game day with Minnesota Wild game tickets.

Day 2 — Game Day Energy

Game day with Minnesota Wild game tickets  in Saint Paul starts long before the puck drops. The atmosphere builds in waves — from early morning brunch spots to packed bars hours before faceoff.

Morning

• Have breakfast at Cafe Astoria, famous for colorful lattes and fresh pastries.

• Stop by the Herb Brooks statue outside the arena — a must-see for hockey history lovers.

Pre-Game Fun

Before heading into the arena with your Minnesota Wild game tickets, join the pre-game buzz:

• Visit the TRIA Rink to catch a practice or simply admire the skyline views from this rooftop rink.

• Grab a table at Tom Reid’s Hockey City Pub, a legendary hangout filled with hockey memorabilia.

• Try Zamboni’s Pizza on West 7th for a quick bite with a game-day crowd.

The Main Event — Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center

There’s nothing like walking into the Xcel Energy Center on game night. With your Minnesota Wild game tickets in hand, you’re stepping into one of the loudest, most fan-friendly arenas in the NHL.

What to Do Before the Game Starts:

• Arrive at least an hour early to explore the concourse and team exhibits.

• Snap a photo at center ice during warm-ups (if you’re in the lower bowl).

What to Eat Inside the Arena:

• Walleye sandwiches – a Minnesota specialty.

• Fried cheese curds – crispy, gooey, and addictive.

• Mini donuts – a sweet Twin Cities tradition.

Atmosphere Highlights:

• The “Let’s Play Hockey!” pre-game call that gets the crowd roaring.

• The powerful goal horn echoing after every Wild score.

• Fans pounding the glass and waving rally towels in the lower bowl.

Day 3 — Culture, Food, and Farewell

After the adrenaline rush of game night and the roar of the crowd at Xcel Energy Center, your final day in Saint Paul is the perfect chance to slow down, explore, and take in the city’s charm. This is when you trade your rally towel for a coffee cup, but the memories of those Minnesota Wild game tickets will still be fresh in your mind.

Morning Brunch — Fuel for the Day

A great day in the Twin Cities starts with a breakfast worth talking about. Saint Paul’s brunch scene offers everything from hearty Midwest comfort food to cozy neighborhood cafés that feel like home.

🍳 Keys Café & Bakery
Keys is a Minnesota institution, and the Saint Paul location keeps the tradition alive. Known for generous portions and scratch-made comfort food, it’s the kind of place where your plate is guaranteed to be bigger than you expect.
Must-try menu items:

• Cinnamon French Toast – Thick-cut bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard and griddled until golden brown.

• Keys Skillet – A massive breakfast skillet loaded with eggs, hash browns, onions, peppers, and your choice of bacon or sausage, all topped with melted cheese.

• House-Baked Pies – If you’re feeling indulgent, a slice of blueberry or banana cream pie is the perfect breakfast dessert.

Insider tip: Locals know to order a side of their house-made cinnamon roll — it’s almost the size of a hockey puck and just as satisfying as scoring with your Minnesota Wild game tickets in hand the night before.

☕ Butter Bakery Café
For a more laid-back, community vibe, Butter Bakery Café is a cozy stop where you’ll find strong coffee, fresh-baked pastries, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Must-try menu items:

• Savory Breakfast Biscuit – A flaky biscuit sandwich filled with eggs, cheddar, and house-made sausage.

• Quiche of the Day – Light, fluffy, and loaded with seasonal vegetables and cheese.

• Espresso Drinks – Their honey lavender latte is a local favorite.

This is the perfect spot if you want to linger over your coffee, people-watch, and relive the highlights of last night’s game.

Afternoon Activities — Explore Saint Paul’s Icons

With brunch behind you, the afternoon is your time to explore the cultural side of the Twin Cities.

🔬 Science Museum of Minnesota
Overlooking the Mississippi River, the Science Museum is part educational experience, part hands-on playground. You can explore exhibits on Minnesota’s natural history, step inside a real dinosaur gallery, or even try interactive science experiments. If you’re still buzzing from the energy of your Minnesota Wild game tickets experience, the museum’s Sports Science exhibit is a fun way to connect the dots between athletics and physics.

🏛 Minnesota State Capitol
Just a short ride from downtown, the Minnesota State Capitol is a jaw-dropping example of Beaux-Arts architecture. Guided tours are available and include stops in the House and Senate chambers, the rotunda, and even the rooftop for panoramic views of Saint Paul. Walking through its marble halls offers a completely different kind of excitement from game night, but it’s just as impressive.

🌊 Harriet Island
When the weather’s nice, Harriet Island is one of the city’s best outdoor escapes. You can stroll along the riverfront, enjoy views of the downtown skyline, or hop on a seasonal riverboat cruise for a relaxing ride down the Mississippi. It’s the kind of peaceful contrast that makes a weekend with Minnesota Wild game tickets feel well-rounded — one day you’re shouting yourself hoarse in the arena, the next you’re listening to the gentle ripple of the river.

Before You Head Home

No Minnesota Wild weekend is complete without a souvenir. Stop by the official team store inside Xcel Energy Center or visit a local sports shop to pick up a jersey, beanie, or collectible puck. It’s a tangible way to carry the spirit of your Minnesota Wild game tickets back home — and a reminder to plan your next visit, maybe for a heated rivalry game or a playoff push.

Souvenirs Before You Go

Before leaving Saint Paul, visit the official team store to pick up Wild gear — a jersey, scarf, or puck — to remember your trip and the excitement of scoring Minnesota Wild game tickets.

Why This Weekend Plan Works for Fans

This itinerary blends everything a traveling hockey fan craves:

• Proximity – Hotels, bars, and attractions all within walking distance of the arena.

• Local Flavor – From upscale dining to hockey pubs, you’ll taste Minnesota’s best.

• Culture & History – Museums, monuments, and the stories behind the State of Hockey.

• Fan Traditions – From chants to goal celebrations, you’ll feel part of the team.

Final Game Day Tips

• Arrive Early: Beat the lines and catch warm-ups.

• Dress for the Season: Winters are cold, but the arena heats up quickly.

• Join the Crowd: Minnesota fans are loud, proud, and love welcoming visitors.

• Plan Your Parking: Reserve a ramp spot or take the Green Line light rail.

This guide ensures that your Minnesota Wild game tickets aren’t just entry passes — they’re the centerpiece of a memorable, well-rounded weekend in one of hockey’s most passionate cities.