St. Paul OKs 2 a.m. service, unveils World Juniors fest
St. Paul approved temporary ordinance changes allowing bars and restaurants with liquor licenses to apply for 2 a.m. service and noise variances during the Dec. 26–Jan. 5 World Junior Hockey Championship, while launching the free Bold North Breakaway fan festival around Rice Park and Grand Casino Arena. The 10‑day downtown festival adds ice bumper cars, ‘glice’ skating, street hockey, kids’ zones, 40 indoor vendors and New Year’s Eve fireworks as the 29‑game tournament is split between St. Paul and the University of Minnesota’s 3M Arena at Mariucci.
📌 Key Facts
- St. Paul City Council passed temporary ordinance amendments for 2 a.m. service permits and noise variances during Dec. 26–Jan. 5
- Bold North Breakaway fan festival will activate Rice Park and nearby streets with mostly free activities; $5 bumper cars on ice
- World Juniors will feature 29 games between 10 national teams at Grand Casino Arena (St. Paul) and 3M Arena at Mariucci (Minneapolis)