After announcing earlier Thursday that the NCHC Frozen Faceoff will no longer be at the Target Center, the league announced that the annual championship weekend is heading to Saint Paul, Minn., beginning this upcoming 2017-18 season.
The NCHC Board of Directors recently approved the move to make Xcel Energy Center the future home of the NCHC Frozen Faceoff. The conference and Xcel Energy Center have agreed to a five-year contract for the home of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild to host the Frozen Faceoff through 2022.
The NCHC Frozen Faceoff is the culmination of the NCHC Tournament, with the two semifinals taking place on Friday followed by the third-place game and championship on Saturday. This season’s Frozen Faceoff will take place on March 16-17, 2018.
Ticket renewals and general on-sale information about the 2018 event will be announced in the coming weeks. Ticket buyers from the 2017 Frozen Faceoff will have priority and the first opportunity to purchase tickets for the 2018 Frozen Faceoff in Xcel Energy Center.
“The NCHC is excited about our new partnership with Xcel Energy Center and Minnesota Sports and Entertainment,” NCHC commissioner Josh Fenton said in a statement. “Regarded as one of the country’s best hockey venues, along with being familiar to many of our passionate fans, we believe the Frozen Faceoff at Xcel Energy Center will provide a great experience for our student-athletes and fans.”
The Xcel Energy Center has a capacity of 18,568 with four seating levels.
“Xcel Energy Center is tremendously excited to be bringing the NCHC Frozen Faceoff to Saint Paul,” added Xcel Energy Center VP-GM Jack Larson. “Our goal is to deliver the best fan experience possible and truly showcase an exciting weekend of high-level collegiate hockey.”
The NCHC has also partnered with Visit Saint Paul to help provide hockey fans with a fun and positive experience in the city while attending the Frozen Faceoff.
