BOSTON – The Boston Celtics started the NBA season on Tuesday evening raising the 18th championship banner in franchise history. The white and green banner hoisted from the rafters was made by a company in Massachusetts.

New England flag and banner

New England flag and banner in Woburn is one of the few companies in the country still making hand-sewn flags and banners.

The company has made all of the Celtics’ championship banners since 1957.

“It’s a huge event for us here at New England Flag and Banner – just the fact that we have the opportunity to help the Celtics commemorate their achievement is something that is very meaningful to us,” said owner Ned Flynn.

There is a special element in the title banner. The New England flag and banner sewed a lucky penny into the fabric, just below the company name, in hopes of bringing good luck to the Celtics in the future.

Celtics banner ceremony

Fans celebrated with festivities at TD Garden prior to the team’s game against the New York Knicks.

Celtics players also received their championship rings during the ceremony.

Boston captured the franchise’s 18th title after defeating the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals. Jaylen Brown earned Finals MVP honors as the Celtics won the series in five games, highlighted by a victory on their home floor.

The game-winning drive came after a dominant regular season that saw the Celtics post a 64-18 record.

The Celtics return with a nearly identical team this season and are looking to repeat their success.