Chiquita: 1970 - NFL

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Brand Classification: 

  • Structure Element

Chiquita NFL Stickers
By Leee Overmann

Ever wonder about the story behind the Chiquita NFL stickers? Issued in the early 1970's, the label were available on a write-in basis, although some stores affixed them to bananas.

The first set of 26 labels included the team known as the Boston Patriots. Established in late 1959, the team received its name in early 1960 through a public contest. Thousands of entries were submitted, and 74 fans suggested the winning name. Shortly thereafter, Boston Globe artist Phil Bissell drew a cartoon of a Minuteman preparing to snap a football. Team owner "Billy" Sullivan liked the drawing so much, he selected "Pat Patriot" as the team logo (featured on the Chiquita sticker). On April 1, 1960, Boston University Field was selected as the first home of the Boston Patriots.

Between 1960 and 1970, the Patriots played their home games at four different sites, including Boston University Field. Harvard Stadium, Fenway Park, and Boston College Alumini Stadium. In 1970, the NFL ruled that teams could hold 60,000 people. Harward Stadium was too small, and there was no suitable location in downtown Boston to build a new stadium. A site in Foxbro (20 miles south of Boston) was chosen, and Schaeffer Stadium (named for the beer company that sponsored the construction) was build. Meanwhile, the team owners decided the name "Boston Patriots" was no longer appropriate, because they weren't located in Boston proper any more. Accordingly, in March 1971, the team was renamed the "New England Patriots". On August 15, 1971, the Patriots played their first game at Schaefer Stadium in Foxboro, defeating the New York Giants 20-14.

Chiquita issued a second set of NFL labels, changing the name to the "New England Patriots". The younger labels is more common than the earlier "Boston" version.

Created: 

July 2019

Updated: 

May 2022
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