In this episode of our podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Glen Thornborough President of the TD Garden and COO of the Boston Bruins, a renowned figure in the sports business world, whose journey began in the small town of Glenboro, Manitoba, Canada. Growing up on a farm with a population of just 544, Glen learned valuable life lessons in work ethic from his father and the importance of nutrition from his mother’s garden. He shares his experiences of leaving home to live with a billet family, an experience both daunting and enriching, and his time playing Division 1 hockey at the University of Alaska Anchorage and in the minor leagues.
Glen’s transition into the business side of sports is nothing short of inspiring. From his pivotal role as the Senior VP at East Coast Hockey League to leading global marketing efforts at Reebok/ccm, Glen has made significant strides in the industry. He dives into the details of securing a groundbreaking endorsement deal with hockey prodigy Conor McDavid at Reebok, emphasizing the rarity and significance of such a partnership.
As we explore his career path, Glen reflects on the importance of flexibility and seizing opportunities, sharing insights from his diverse experiences across cities like Alaska, Memphis, NJ, Montreal, and Boston.
Delving into his tenure with the Bruins, Glen explains the role and impact of a Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) and the evolution of marketing, ticketing, and customer experience under his leadership. He highlights innovations like the Amazon store, digital ticketing, and new food offerings that have transformed the fan experience.
For those aspiring to break into sports marketing or the business side of sports, Glen offers invaluable advice, drawing from his extensive experience in managing and hiring teams.
Ending on a high note, we touch upon a fun fact, Glen once coached against Hockey Hall of Famer Martin St Louis, the current Montreal Canadiens coach, showcasing the breadth and depth of his involvement in the world of hockey.