It’s a tradition we know and love here in Saint Paul: March Madness. And no, we’re not talking about basketball.

Every year, March transforms downtown Saint Paul into one of the busiest and most exciting places in Minnesota. It’s the single biggest month for Saint Paul RiverCentre, Grand Casino Arena, and venues across the city, drawing massive crowds for sports, entertainment, and cultural events.

Last year, nearly one million visitors made their way to the capital city from across Minnesota and the country. This year delivered that same unmistakable buzz: streets bustling, restaurants packed, and venues filled with fans, families, and visitors eager to experience everything Saint Paul has to offer.

During the Minnesota State High School League Boys Hockey State Tournament, the Let's Play Hockey Expo took over Saint Paul RiverCentre, with fans flooding the building and creating a hockey-crazed environment. The city also hosted major high school competitions in wrestling, girls hockey, and gymnastics, turning downtown into a hub for athletes and fans alike.

But the action didn't stop at the rink. Throughout March, venues across Saint Paul hosted an incredible lineup of events, featuring: 37 concerts and musical performances, 16 sporting events, including eight home games for the Minnesota Wild, four home games for the Minnesota Frost, a Minnesota Roller Derby bout, and the season opener for the St. Paul Saints, nine comedy shows, and the Broadway musical Mrs. Doubtfire.

Saint Paul RiverCentre kept the momentum going with a wide range of conferences, banquets and trade shows. Highlights included the annual Donnie Smith Bike Show, a new K-Pop event, and AEW Dynamite at Roy Wilkins Auditorium.

“March is a sweet spot for Saint Paul,” said Jaimee Lucke Hendrikson, President and CEO of Visit Saint Paul. “From annual events like the state hockey tournaments and St. Patrick’s Day, we see visitors and our community come out to celebrate. This year we’ve got incredible events and experiences that highlight the energy and creativity of Saint Paul reflected across our local businesses.”

From packed venues to vibrant streets, March continues to showcase the very best of Saint Paul, bringing together sports, culture, entertainment, and community in a way that only this city can.