Xcel Energy Center and Target Center are quite similar in size, particularly concerning their seating capacity for major events. While "bigger" can be interpreted in various ways, these two prominent Minnesota venues are remarkably comparable in their ability to host large-scale gatherings.
The Minneapolis Target Center and the St. Paul Xcel Energy Center, located just 10 miles apart in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, have roughly the same number of seats. This close proximity and similar capacity often lead to comparisons between the two, which serve distinct yet equally important roles in the local entertainment landscape.
Seating Capacity Comparison
When evaluating the "bigness" of an arena, seating capacity is often the primary metric. Both Xcel Energy Center and Target Center are designed to accommodate thousands of spectators for their primary sporting tenants and various other events.
Here's a breakdown of their typical capacities:
| Arena | Primary Tenant(s) | Typical Seating Capacity (Sports) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xcel Energy Center | Minnesota Wild (NHL) | ~17,954 (Hockey) | Saint Paul |
| Target Center | Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA), Minnesota Lynx (WNBA) | ~18,798 (Basketball) | Minneapolis |
Note: Capacities can vary slightly depending on the specific event, such as concerts or conventions, which may utilize different configurations.
As the table illustrates, Target Center has a slightly higher capacity for its primary sport, basketball, compared to Xcel Energy Center's hockey capacity. However, for large-scale events like concerts, both venues can often reconfigure to hold over 20,000 attendees, making their overall maximum capacities very competitive. The difference of less than 1,000 seats for their primary sports is not substantial enough to definitively declare one significantly "bigger" than the other in a practical sense.
Unique Characteristics and Functions
Beyond raw seating numbers, both arenas offer unique features and serve different primary functions that contribute to their overall importance in the region.
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Xcel Energy Center:
- Primarily known as the home of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.
- Often hosts major concerts, family shows, and conventions.
- Designed with a distinct architectural style reflecting Minnesota's natural landscape.
- Explore more about Xcel Energy Center.
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Target Center:
- Home to the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves and the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx.
- A versatile venue that also hosts concerts, conventions, and other sporting events.
- Underwent significant renovations to modernize its facilities and enhance the fan experience.
- Learn more about Target Center.
While each arena has its own distinct identity and primary sports tenant, their very similar capacities and close proximity highlight their parallel roles as key entertainment and event hubs in the Twin Cities. For most visitors and event-goers, the difference in size is negligible, with both venues offering large-scale event experiences.
