ST PAUL, Minn. — Xcel Energy Center has announced several new venue policies that will take effect in the coming weeks.
Venue officials said the changes are being made in an effort to enhance the fan experience and safety during all events hosted at the arena.
Xcel Energy Center will launch its first dedicated cashless payment systems at select concessions in the arena starting on Thursday, Sept. 12, when the X hosts a blink-182 concert. These locations will only accept credit cards, gift cards, and mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Officials said the change is expected to create faster moving lines at certain concessions and point-of-sale locations.
Starting on Oct. 15, Xcel Energy Center will expand a bag policy already used during Minnesota Wild games since 2018 to now include all events at the venue. Fans will only be allowed to carry a clear tote (measuring no larger than 12" x 6" x 12") or a clear resealable plastic storage bag (limited to one gallon in size); small bags like a clutch purse will also be allowed, but cannot be larger than 5" x 8" in size.
A final change will limit re-entry policies at the venue. Effective immediately, fans attending any events at Xcel Energy Center will no longer be allowed to exit and re-enter the arena for any reason, including smoking. The X itself remains a smoke-free facility, which includes a ban on the use of e-cigarettes and vaporizers inside the building.