I do not get out to Qwest terribly much, but Mike Sando passes along a season ticket holder’s thoughts about losing Leiweke:
When Leiweke came aboard, everything changed. I remember seeing him coming up the aisle of our section early with a crew with sound detectors. Next game, the sound was down and we could actually hear ourselves cheer. The 12th Man flag went up and I got to shake hands with Chuck Knox and Steve Largent when they raised the flag. It was an entirely different stadium experience, night and day.
His effect on the fans cannot be overstated.
The fan experience is easy to overlook, but the Sounders, Seahawks and Blazers have all thrived as entertainment medium under Leiweke. The Sounders are hands down the most popular team in MLS. Seahawks games are always sold out, and Qwest is renowned for its stadium experience. Though Portland has forever loved its one major sports team, the Blazers, Leiweke oversaw a period in which the Blazers went from “Jail Blazers” to respected and integral part of the community.