Maine motorists may soon have another way to show their Patriots pride.

The New England Patriots unveiled a proposed Maine license plate Wednesday featuring the National Football League team’s logo. Similar plates are already offered in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Spokeswoman Sarah Leong Oliver said about 30 pre-orders were received during an hour-long unveiling ceremony at the Maine Mall in South Portland. A total of 2,000 pre-orders would be needed before the Legislature could approve putting the plate into circulation. Once approved, production could take up to a year.

The plate would cost $35 above regular registration fees, with $10 earmarked to benefit the Patriots Charitable Foundation.

“My family and the Patriots organization know Maine is home to some of the best Patriots fans in the world,” foundation President Joshua Kraft, son of Patriot’s chairman and CEO Robert Kraft, said in a prepared statement.

The foundation was established by the Kraft family in 1994 to support charitable and philanthropic agencies throughout New England. Money raised through this license plate program will specifically benefit Maine nonprofits.

“Every plate purchased will bring essential funds back to Maine nonprofits. We hope that fans across Maine show their support for their hometown team by helping us reach the necessary 2,000 pre-orders needed to bring the Patriots plates to the great state of Maine,” Joshua Kraft said.

If approved, the Patriots plate would join nine other specialty plates offered to Maine motorists, according to the Office of the Secretary of State. Spokeswoman Caitlin Chamberlain said that, if approved, the plate must maintain a circulation of 4,000 annually for the state to continue offering it.

The foundation has not set a deadline for reaching the 2,000 pre-order threshold, but hopes to do so before Sept. 1. To pre-order a license plate, visit www.patriots.com/community. 

Staff Writer Emma Bouthillette can be contacted at 791-6325 or at:
ebouthillette@pressherald.com