2026 World Jr Championship Logistics, Tickets & Parking Guide
π« Your Complete Guide
Planning your trip to the 2026 World Junior Championship? This is your one-stop guide for tickets, parking, transportation, hotels, and the FREE Bold North Breakaway Fan Festival. Whether you're a local or traveling from across North America, we've got everything you need to make your World Juniors experience seamless.
Two venues just 8 miles apart. Light rail connecting both. FREE outdoor festival. And the best under-20 hockey in the world. Let's get you there!
π« Tickets & Packages
Single-game tickets are available now! For the best value, consider multi-game packages that include medal-round games. Purchase directly from the official sites below.
π‘ Ticket Pro Tips
- Buy direct from the box office for the best pricesβavoid third-party markups
- USA preliminary games (all at Grand Casino Arena) will sell outβbook early
- Canada preliminary games (all at Mariucci) are always hot tickets for Canadian fans
- New Year's Eve game (Dec 31): Canada vs Finlandβspecial atmosphere with fireworks after
- Gold Medal Game (Jan 5, 6:30 PM CT): This WILL sell out, potentially months in advance
- All tickets are digitalβdelivered via official arena mobile apps
π Don't Forget Your Tournament Gear!
Arena-ready HEDi-PACK backpack + country patches + player numbers. TSA-approved for travelers. Show your team pride at every game!
BUILD YOUR PACK NOW βποΈ Venues & Parking
Grand Casino Arena
St. Paul | Home of Pool A & All Medal Rounds
β’ All Team USA preliminary games
β’ 2 quarterfinals
β’ Both semifinals
β’ Bronze & Gold medal games
β’ Ramp A: Directly connected to arena
β’ Fifth Street Ramp: 2 blocks away
β’ WorldCenter Ramp: 3 blocks
β’ Typical Cost: $15-25 per event
β’ Pre-purchase parking online to guarantee a spot
3M Arena at Mariucci
Minneapolis | Home of Pool B
β’ All Team Canada preliminary games
β’ All Finland, Czechia, Latvia, Denmark games
β’ 2 quarterfinals
β’ Relegation game
β’ East River Road Garage: Right next to arena
β’ Oak Street Ramp: Short walk
β’ University Ave Ramps: 5-10 min walk
β’ Typical Cost: $10-15 per event
β’ Campus parking fills fastβarrive early!
π Getting Around: Transportation Guide
The venues are just 8 miles apart with excellent public transit connections
ποΈ Attending Multiple Games in One Day?
Many fans catch afternoon games at one venue, then take the METRO Green Line to the other venue for evening games. With trains running every 10-15 minutes, it's easy to see 3-4 games in a single day during the preliminary round. Check the complete schedule for double-header opportunities!
π¨ Where to Stay
Book earlyβhotels near both venues fill up quickly during major events. Here are top recommendations by location.
Near Grand Casino Arena (St. Paul)
InterContinental St. Paul Riverfront
Luxury hotel connected via skyway. Walk to arena in 5 minutes through enclosed walkways.
Hyatt Place St. Paul Downtown
Modern hotel with free breakfast. Short walk or quick rideshare to games.
Holiday Inn St. Paul Downtown
Budget-friendly option. Connected to skyway system for weather protection.
Near 3M Arena at Mariucci (Minneapolis)
Graduate Minneapolis
Hockey-themed hotel literally next to the arena. Perfect for Canadian fans following Team Canada in Pool B.
Hilton Garden Inn University Area
Wallet-friendly, easy walk to arena. Near Dinkytown restaurants and bars.
Courtyard Minneapolis Downtown
Downtown location. Quick light rail ride to Mariucci, easy access to St. Paul too.
π‘ Hotel Booking Tips
- Book before October 2025βrooms near venues will sell out as tournament approaches
- Stay near METRO Green Line for easy access to both arenas if attending multiple games
- Downtown Minneapolis offers more dining/nightlife options than St. Paul
- St. Paul hotels are closer to the airport (MSP) and have easier parking
- Mall of America hotels are 20 min from both arenas and offer family entertainment
- Check cancellation policiesβtournament schedules can shift based on standings
π Bold North Breakaway Fan Festival
Official FREE Fan Festival of the 2026 World Junior Championship
Rice Park (Outdoor) & Saint Paul RiverCentre (Indoor) | Open ALL Tournament Days
π¨ Rice Park (Outdoor)
Free outdoor winter festival! TRIA Skills Rink, PNC Bank Bonfire Zone, Securian Financial Bumper Cars on Ice, horse & carriage rides, food trucks, and the Explore Minnesota "We Love Hockey" photo sign.
π RiverCentre (Indoor)
Minnesota Wild Street Hockey Rink, 40 local vendors at Hockey Moms Market, SportsEngine Zone with live DJ, Explore Minnesota Watch Party Room (all games on big screen), alumni appearances!
π New Year's Eve Special
Family Fireworks at Rice Park after games! Celebrate 2026 with hockey and pyrotechnics. Perfect for families with kids.
π Festival Hours
Open daily Dec 26 - Jan 5. Rice Park: 10:30am-7:30pm most days. RiverCentre: Extended hours during games. Check schedule for exact times!
π Visit Us at the Festival!
HEDi Gear is an Official Bold North Breakaway Exhibitor! Stop by our booth at Saint Paul RiverCentre to see our limited-edition World Juniors 2026 patches and custom HEDi-PACK backpacks in person. Exclusive festival discounts available!
All 10 nation flags + tournament logo
Build your HEDi-PACK on-site
Limited items only at our booth
π Location: Saint Paul RiverCentre Exhibitor Hall
π Hours: Open during all festival hours
π What to Bring & Arena Policies
β Allowed Items
- π± Phone & portable chargers
- πΈ Cameras (non-professional)
- π Small bags (14" x 14" x 6")
- π§₯ Layers (arenas are climate controlled)
- π ID for entry
- π³ Credit/debit cards (cashless arenas)
β Prohibited Items
- π« Large bags or backpacks
- π« Outside food & beverages
- π« Weapons of any kind
- π« Professional camera equipment
- π« Noisemakers, air horns
- π« Signs larger than 11" x 17"
π‘ Arena Day Essentials
- Dress in layersβit's cold outside but warm inside the arenas
- Small crossbody bag or HEDi-PACK (within size limits) for carrying essentials
- Digital tickets ready on your phone before arriving (download arena app)
- Credit/debit cardβboth arenas are cashless (Apple Pay, Google Pay accepted)
- Arrive 45-60 minutes early for security screening, especially for popular games
- Country jerseys & fan gear encouragedβshow your team pride!
- Portable chargerβyou'll be taking lots of photos and videos
π¨οΈ Minnesota Weather in Late December/Early January
Let's be honest: it's going to be cold. But that's part of the experience! Here's what to expect and how to prepare.
βοΈ Typical Temperatures
Daytime Highs: 20-25Β°F (-4 to -2Β°C)
Overnight Lows: 10-12Β°F (-12 to -11Β°C)
Feels Like: Colder with wind chill
π§₯ What to Wear
Heavy winter coat (parka recommended)
Insulated boots with good traction
Hat, gloves, scarf
Layers underneath
β Winter Tips
Use skyways in St. Paul to minimize outdoor exposure
Allow extra travel time if snowing
Check parking rules during snow emergencies
Indoor Bold North Festival to warm up!
π‘ First Time in Minnesota Winter? Don't let the cold scare you off! Both arenas are climate-controlled, most hotels and restaurants are connected via indoor walkways, and locals are used to helping visitors navigate winter. Embrace itβit's part of the "State of Hockey" experience!
π Your Tournament Starts With Your Gear
Limited edition World Juniors 2026 patches (only 1,000 made) + custom HEDi-PACK backpacks. Pre-order online or visit our Bold North Breakaway booth!
SHOP THE COLLECTION ββ‘ Official Bold North Breakaway Exhibitor | Saint Paul RiverCentre
Official Bold North Breakaway Exhibitor | HEDi Gear creates authentic tournament collectibles
Information current as of December 2025. Check official sources for real-time updates on parking, transit, and arena policies.
