Vulcan Sports Considers Switch From Global To AEG

Vulcan Sports & Entertainment Might Tap AEG To Manage Rose Garden

Vulcan Sports & Entertainment (VSE), the company that oversees the Trail Blazers, is “considering dropping Global Spectrum as the Rose Garden manager in favor” of AEG, according to Helen Jung of the Portland OREGONIAN.  VSE President Tod Leiweke’s brother, Tim, is President & CEO of AEG, but Tod indicated that the family connection has “no part in the decision to consider AEG as an arena operator.”  Leiweke: “That would never enter the picture because I work for [Paul] Allen and that’s where my loyalty is.”  Trail Blazers COO Mike Golub said that AEG is also “interested in managing” Qwest Field.  He said that VSE “hopes to decide between Global and AEG by the end of the summer to allow time for preparation” for the ’07-08 NBA season.  Tod Leiweke said VSE and Global Spectrum have been "great partners,” but added, “We’d be remiss not to explore every option out there” (Portland OREGONIAN, 7/12).