Every MLS club was represented at Saturday's MLS Supporters Summit at Qwest Field. By that measure alone, the centerpiece of this weekend's event was a runaway success, as fans gained valuable insight into the inner workings of Major League Soccer.
The event also gave the supporters, who numbered around 200, an opportunity to give feedback directly to MLS Commissioner Don Garber, an opportunity rare in professional sports.
The commissioner kicked off the event by giving attendees a State of the League address. He then fielded some tough questions ranging from the quality of officiating to moving the site of MLS Cup away from a neutral venue. Sounders FC minority owner Drew Carey was on hand to emcee the question and answer session, using his trademark wit to keep the session running smoothly.
Fans were also impressed with Carey's knowledge and insight into the league, as he used his platform to inject his own ideas into the proceedings.
At one point, the event reminded people more of a roundtable discussion as MLS representatives and fans brainstormed ways to improve the league.
Greg Roth, a Sounders FC Membership Alliance Council member and the communications manager for the summit, appreciated the way the league allowed its fans to interface directly with the MLS brass. In his opinion, building that engagement is key to building the long-term financial stability of the league.
"It's like Drew Carey said. (The fans) are customers. If you engage the fans and supporters, it comes back to you in terms of revenue," said Roth (who has no relation to the Sounders FC majority owner Joe Roth). "It's just good business.
"Everything that a company does, whether it's software or soccer, is tied into the business. If you can do something like this, the fans win, the league wins -- everyone wins."
The event featured a well-stocked raffle held by the Seattle supporters group North End Supporters, which included five BlackBerry Bolds and MLS merchandise.
After lunch, league executives Joe Machnik and Alfonso Mondelo led the afternoon session, lending attendees insight into the several subjects, including the MLS Disciplinary Committee, refereeing, and the factors affecting growth of domestic soccer.
The session included a video presentation of disciplinary events from the course of the 2009 season and shed light on the league's process for fining and suspending players. Refereeing was another hot-button topic, with Machnik and U.S. Soccer referees chief Paul Tamberino offering some frank information about how the league's referees are scheduled and disciplined.
Fans were once again encouraged to ask questions, which they did eagerly as the session ended up running long. In all, the event was a success, according to Roth.
"I thought the people who came got a lot out of this event," Roth said. "How many other professional leagues give you the opportunity to talk directly to the commissioner?"
Andrew Winner is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
