Meet the Mainer Overseeing Patriots Game Day Entertainment

Abbey Thistle, a Cape Elizabeth native, is the senior director of event presentation and fan engagement for the New England Patriots.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 3:07pm

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Abbey Thistle, a Cape Elizabeth native, is the senior director of event presentation and fan engagement for the New England Patriots. In this role, she manages the game-day atmosphere at Gillette Stadium, connects with former players, and oversees the team's fan-facing events. Thistle has held this position since 2013 and has been involved in everything from watch parties to the Super Bowl.

Why it matters

Thistle's job is crucial in creating an engaging and memorable experience for Patriots fans at home games. As the team has returned to the forefront of the NFL this season, her work in coordinating the in-game entertainment, fan outreach, and alumni events has helped reignite the energy and enthusiasm of the Gillette Stadium crowd.

The details

Thistle's responsibilities include overseeing the songs, videos, fan games, and pregame/halftime ceremonies at Patriots home games. She also coordinates fan outreach, mascot and cheerleader appearances, as well as draft and watch parties. Additionally, Thistle helps organize all events involving former Patriots players, such as when a player returns to ring the bell at the Gillette Stadium lighthouse.

  • Thistle has held her current role with the Patriots since 2013.
  • In 2014, Thistle witnessed the fans singing along to The Outfield's 'Your Love' during a dramatic playoff win over the Ravens.
  • On January 18, 2026, Thistle saw the Gillette Stadium crowd singing Bon Jovi's 'Livin' on a Prayer' during a win over the Texans, a moment that signaled the team and its fans were 'back'.

The players

Abbey Thistle

A Cape Elizabeth native who is the senior director of event presentation and fan engagement for the New England Patriots.

Tom Brady

One of the best players in Patriots history, with whom Thistle is on a first-name basis.

Ty Law

A former Patriots cornerback who Thistle has worked with in her role.

Lawyer Milloy

A former Patriots player who Thistle has worked with in her role.

Jon Bon Jovi

The musician who Thistle says was the person she was most star-struck to work with when he rang the bell at Gillette Stadium.

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What they’re saying

“We had a rally out in Denver (for the AFC championship game), and we had like 1,800 people show up. I just remember sitting there going 'Holy crap. This is still really cool.'”

— Abbey Thistle (centralmaine.com)

“The most star-struck I've ever been was (Jon) Bon Jovi. When we had him do the bell, that was my childhood growing up. That was the one and only time I was like 'I want to be up there.'”

— Abbey Thistle (centralmaine.com)

“The press box was shaking. We haven't had those press box shaking moments in so long. Those are those moments that will stick with me forever. … I love being able to be a part of that, and to affect how the fans experience the game.”

— Abbey Thistle (centralmaine.com)

What’s next

Thistle will continue to oversee the game day entertainment and fan engagement for the Patriots as they look to build on their recent success and return to the Super Bowl.

The takeaway

Abbey Thistle's role in creating an electric atmosphere and memorable experiences for Patriots fans at Gillette Stadium is a crucial part of the team's success. Her passion for the job and connection to the fanbase have helped maintain the team's strong home-field advantage over the years.