Stadium Development Credit Claims
2015-01-01 · Kevin Warren, COO, Minnesota Vikings (Vikings)
Warren positioned himself as the mastermind of U.S. Bank Stadium through official bios and press materials. This credential became his ticket to future opportunities. However, journalists noted the legislative deal nearly failed multiple times and only passed because legislators feared losing the Vikings to Los Angeles.
What he said
Warren was the driving force in getting U.S. Bank Stadium built, which led to Super Bowl LII and the team's state-of-the-art new headquarters.
Instrumental in selecting designers, developers, and legal advisors. Played an integral role in all business, financial, legal and operational aspects. Involved in the design, construction, business, legal and operational components.
I remember when we finished the stadium, I had all of these boxes of binders and many people said: 'You can get rid of those. You'll never use those again.' I'm glad I saved them.
The fact-check
- "Warren was the driving force in getting U.S. Bank Stadium built." — Misleading
- Warren played a significant role, but "driving force" overstates individual credit. Journalist Scott Dochterman noted: "I never understood why Kevin Warren received so much credit for building the Vikings' stadium. It took to the absolute final minute for Minnesota's legislature to approve it & only because legislators were afraid of losing the Vikings."
- "I remember when we finished the stadium, I had all of these boxes of binders and many people said: 'You can get rid of those. You'll never use those again.' I'm glad I saved them." — True
- Warren did save the materials and is using them for Bears stadium project. The statement is accurate about his intentions.