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Very interesting to hear more responses from the current players.

They would rather play in the $100M home of the Men's pro Wild NHL team instead of the home of what many could argue is the best Women's team in the nation.

I still wonder if enough understand the atmosphere difference. I would ask those that played during the tourney transition from Ridder to Xcel. Not sure if any teams played in both tourneys even - so hard to say if anyone would really have the perspective I'm thinking of.

This likely won't change for many reasons. Maybe that's for the best. And, as long as the current players don't feel/know that they are missing anything atmosphere wise, then maybe this is a moot point.

Asked our daughter, who has made a couple of trips to the Xcel. She LOVES it there, and wouldn't trade the experience for anything. She even saw a couple of Wild players while there last year - and was thrilled! She played various squirt and U12 games at Mariucci, AAA and tournament games at Ridder. Only has played STATE at the Xcel, which made it different and special. It's about the girls, and if they love the Xcel - that's where it should be.

I can see this thought that the only way the girls get into the X is through STATE whereas all other venues are open to them for other reasons.

The X is empty, but special, as a result. Interesting twist.

I coached the first girls team - a HS team - to win a game in the X. It wasn't a state tourney game, and was played between two boys HS games back in 2000. We played there again the following year. I guess it had the same sort of meaning that we now associate with STATE - there's really no other way to get in there to play a HS game (unless the Schwan's Cup games get in there still?).

No slap wrote:Only has played STATE at the Xcel, which made it different and special. It's about the girls, and if they love the Xcel - that's where it should be.

I'm still trying to think of somebody that I could ask that played a championship-bracket State Tournament game in both venues. It would likely be somebody from a program like SSP or Eden Prairie that went to State a lot in the era when the switch was made.

From what everyone is reporting from their daughters' comments, it sounds like the consensus will be the "X". At a certain level, the games could probably be played in a parking lot somewhere, and as long as it was the State Tournament, with all of the tradition that conjures up, it would be special. I'm sure that the kids who played in the Fairgrounds Coliseum, crappy as that was, will never forget going to State. There is something about the spirit of the event that the players and supporters will carry with them into any venue that will make the event one of a kind.

Good to read all of the comments.

Don't know if it has been mentioned, but if I recall back in the days the tournament was played at Ridder there were a lot of complaints and general cries of "foul" from division I programs (other than Minnesota) and from WCHA teams in particular that the tournament on the U campus amounted to an unfair recruiting advantage for Minnesota. I wonder if there isn't some truth to that? One reason I myself would actually be okay with the tournament being played entirely at Ridder.

Seriously, I'm in line with the thought it's for the kids to enjoy and remember forever and if they favor the X than so be it. Selfishly...if I'm sitting through a couple consecutive two game sessions decent concessions are important to me. The Ridder concessions are terrible. Think I've mentioned that before.

A man has to listen to his stomach.
Also, I've noticed when I'm at the X for the session, it's a 4 hour gig probably. The X is much better for moving around, seeing the sights, and just a generally more pleasant experience (and of course the concessions). Ridder might have a little better of an atmosphere during the games (if they're competetive), but it doesn't outweigh the day spent at the X.

Who pays to cover the rental on Xcel for the girls tournaments?

All good comments above and as a fan, coach, and parent, I enjoy the X for it's comforts. I have asked a couple groups of players that have gone through the tourney and played in both venues. The answers are pretty similar. Love the X for the space, food and chance to spread out with classmates and family. They like Ridder better for game conditions, the ice, and acoustics, (ability to hear teammates, coaches, and especially fans.) I'm not sure it matters that much for the girls, they are just glad to get to the tourney wherever it is. The biggest issue is probably the cost of attendance at the X. Major complaints in the last couple of years that the cost is driving fringe fans away. Not good for a sport that has a shrinking base.