30 Games In 30 Nights

Game #25: Minnesota Wild (April 6, 2015)

April 6, 2015

I arrived in Minneapolis early today, so I had a few hours of leisure time before the game.  In making my way around the Nicollet Mall area, I happened upon a statue of Mary Tyler Moore on the boulevard.  I also happened upon a neat little French bistro (go figure – in Minneapolis) which made a “croque monsieur” which would rival anything you would find in France.  (Sorry – I only have a photo of the bistro, not the sandwich.)

IMG_0829IMG_0826

In making my way to the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul later on, I learned that taking the Metro was free if you were going to the hockey game.  (At least that’s what the guy told me for a fee of $5.00!  Hmmm?)

IMG_0830IMG_0832

The Xcel Center is a gorgeous facility, definitely top 10 in the league for arenas, and maybe better than that.   Take a look.

IMG_0835IMG_0839IMG_8869IMG_8865IMG_8887IMG_0844

It was clear that I was in hockey town/state, and with playoff positions on the line (for the Wild, and the visiting Jets), the energy level was like that of a playoff game.  I would rank the Wild fans as one of the louder arenas, this despite the fact that I was unable to hear the fans cheer a goal from the home team.

IMG_8873IMG_8879

In making my usual arena observations, I noticed that the goal judges (who no longer sit behind the net), are perched up high on both sides of the rink at the Xcel Center. Definitely a great viewpoint!

IMG_8895IMG_8894

I was selected for a second intermission fan contest called “High Low,” and I think the contest was rigged.  (In a good way, because despite wanting to answer the final question incorrectly, I was “guided” toward the correct answer.)  And I won a prize pack which included a whole bunch of Minnesota Wild goodies.  I was also interviewed about my trip, and I have to give the Wild announcer great credit for promoting the cause (Make-A-Wish).

IMG_8900IMG_8909IMG_8921IMG_0849

Tonight’s game was the last home game of the season for the Wild, and it was announced that the team set a season record for attendance.  Well done Wild fans!  In my 25 days of traveling, I would rank the Wild fans as top 5 in three categories:  friendly, knowledgeable, and loud!  (And loud in a good way!)

 

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Autographed Jersey Auction
In support of Make-A-Wish Canada

Autographed jersey's for auction Elevated Auctions
Rob Suggit 30 Games in 30 Nights