In our seventh episode of the Sport Analytics Podcast, our host Amrit Vignesh sits down with Sam Marks, Director of Business Strategy and Analytics for the Boston Bruins and TD Garden. From assembling the first analytics department at the Arizona Coyotes to managing high-impact revenue decisions for an Original Six NHL franchise, Sam shows how data, empathy, and forward-thinking leadership can drive transformative outcomes across the sports industry. Sam explains why “fan experience” is more than a buzzword—and how Monte Carlo simulations, dynamic pricing models, and a structured approach to building analytics teams can translate raw data into actionable results. He also shares candid lessons on balancing immediate revenue goals with long-term brand equity, the growing role of AI in sports business, and why an openness to learning is key to a successful career in this ever-evolving field.
Key Takeaways: Building Effective Teams: Why hiring for empathy, critical thinking, and core data skills can supercharge organizational impact.
Fan-Centric Analytics: Using models and market insights to deliver real-time, data-driven improvements to the arena experience.
Hedging Against Volatility: How sports analytics can mitigate the unpredictable nature of wins, losses, and market factors.
Monte Carlo Simulations: How scenario-driven approaches empower more nuanced pricing and revenue forecasts.
Evolving Tech Stack: Why continuous learning—across SQL, Tableau, AI, and beyond—keeps your analytics toolkit future-proof.
🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more episodes featuring leaders in sports analytics, career insights, and technical deep-dives! 📧 For inquiries or collaborations, contact Dave Yount at dave@sportanalytics.com. 🎵 Music Credit: Intro and outro music for this episode is “Nomu” by Good Kid. #SportsAnalytics #NHL #BostonBruins #TDGarden #BusinessStrategy #DataScience #MonteCarlo #FanExperience #CareerAdvice #SportsBusiness #BusinessAnalytics #Duke
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