World Juniors Comes to Saint Paul: Capital of the State of Hockey

Welcome to the Capital of the State of Hockey

The City of Saint Paul prepares to welcome World Juniors teams and fans from 10 nations-including Canada, USA, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Slovakia, Germany, Switzerland, Latvia, and Denmark-to the Capital of the State of Hockey. Whether you're here to cheer, coach, or cover the tournament, downtown Saint Paul is ready with easy transit, great food, and winter-smart tips to make your stay smooth and warm.

Learn More and Plan Your Visit >

Subscribe to the City Newsletter

Getting to Saint Paul by Light Rail (Metro Transit)

Traveling from Minneapolis? Take Metro Transit's METRO Green Line eastbound toward Saint Paul. Downtown stops-Central Station, 10th Street, and Union Depot-all connect easily to hotels, restaurants, and the arena district via short walks or skyways. Trains run frequently all day and into the evening; purchase fares at station machines or with the Metro Transit app.

Learn More about Metro Transit Green Line >

Learn More about Saint Paul Skyway System >

MSP Airport (Minneapolis-Saint Paul International)

Flying in for World Juniors? MSP has two terminals (T1-Lindbergh, T2-Humphrey) with quick light-rail access to both Minneapolis and downtown Saint Paul. Check airline terminal before you go, arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights, and monitor real-time conditions.

MSP Airport Flight Info >

Grand Casino Arena (Saint Paul)

Home base for Team USA's preliminary games and all semifinals and medal games, Grand Casino Arena anchors the tournament in Saint Paul. Check the event page for schedules, bag policy, accessibility, and spectator guidance.

Learn More about Grand Casino Arena >

Bold North Breakaway Fan Festival (Rice Park & RiverCentre)

Steps from the arena, Rice Park transforms into a free, outdoor fan zone with horse-and-carriage rides, Pioneer Press Trolley Rides & Tales, festive lights, the TRIA Skills Rink, PNC Bank Bonfire Zone, Securian Financial Bumper Cars on Ice, the Explore Minnesota "We Love Hockey" sign, and the HealthPartners Breakaway Box for warm-ups and games.

Inside Saint Paul RiverCentre, the celebration continues with the Hockey Moms Market by Mich (40 local vendors), alumni appearances and autographs, a live-DJ SportsEngine Zone beside the Minnesota Wild Street Hockey Rink, the Explore Minnesota Watch Party Room screening every game, plus the Delta Dental Locker Room Experience, PNC Bank Snow Globe, Blue Line Bar, and the Mini Mites Kids Zone powered by Cub-an indoor heartbeat for fans all tournament long.

Learn More about Bold North Breakaway Fan Festival >

Eat, Sip, and Unwind Downtown

Fuel up before or after games. Find everything from quick skyway bites and family-friendly spots to late-night burgers, ramen, and craft cocktails steps from the arena. Many restaurants welcome team groups-call ahead for seating and ask about game-day specials.

Visit Saint Paul's Dining Guide >

Winter-ready Tips

Normal late-December to January temperatures in Saint Paul run about mid-20s °F (-4 to -2 °C) for daytime highs and around 10-12 °F (-12 to -11 °C) for overnight lows. Dress in layers, wear traction-tread boots, use skyways to shorten outdoor walks, and allow extra travel time if it's snowing.

Last Edited: November 7, 2025