Historic Minneapolis Armory Receives Leadership Award from the Minneapolis Downtown Council

Minneapolis, Minnesota (October 3, 2019) – The Minneapolis Armory announced today that it has been named a recipient of a 2025 Plan Leadership Award by the Minneapolis Downtown Council. The award, presented at the Council's October 1st Gala at Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, is presented annually to organizations, individuals and initiatives that demonstrate exemplary leadership qualities for the betterment of Downtown Minneapolis.

The Armory was named a recipient of the award for its' immediate impact on the downtown entertainment scene since its' opening in early 2018. Since undergoing its' extensive renovations, the Armory has hosted concerts by A-list entertainers including Jennifer Lopez, Pink, Katy Perry, Billie Eilish, and many others. In addition, the Armory has been home to numerous professional boxing cards. In fact, in 2019 it hosted five nationally televised boxing events, more than iconic boxing venues like Barclay's Center in Brooklyn, NY, Staples Center in Los Angeles and the MGM in Las Vegas.

"We want to thank the city leaders who have supported us to get to this point. Councilmember Lisa Goodman and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey shared our vision and passion for this project." said Ned Abdul, President of Swervo Development Corporation. "Our goal was to bring another level of vibrancy and entertainment to downtown, and this prestigious award tells us we are on the right track."

"We took a building that was very tired, in a city that we care about, and made it into something that Minneapolis can be proud of. This building has personality. For a building of this size (300,000 square feet counting the space for parking) and combined with the amount of detail and thought that was put into the restoration, things are only going to get better with the extraordinary team we've got."

Once the home of the Minneapolis Lakers of the NBA, and the National Guard, the Armory has been transformed into a venue that spans across musical genres and a variety of sports and entertainment offerings. In addition, it has been the entertainment hub for events held at nearby U.S. Bank Stadium including the Super Bowl, X Games and NCAA Men's Final Four.

"This award is just the start," said Rich Richardson, Vice President of Operations for the Armory. "We are deeply committed to making downtown Minneapolis a place where people of all tastes and interests can be thrilled and entertained."

About the Armory:

The Minneapolis Armory is a world class entertainment venue that can accommodate a variety of events including concerts, gala celebrations and sporting events including boxing and mixed martial arts. The Armory has long held significance in downtown Minneapolis, and that history is proudly displayed inside its refurbished decor. As visitors walk through, they will see odes to the Minneapolis Lakers, the National Guard, major bouts and special events. The Armory offers a trendy, upscale feel that brings the pit concert experience and the box seat luxury together in a way that delivers up-close-and-personal music to both. For more information please visit http://www.armorymn.com .