Couple Plans to Cheer for Knicks in Playoffs 27 Years After Engagement

NEW YORK (WABC) — As the New York Knicks stand one game away from evening their series against the Indiana Pacers, a couple who got engaged in front of a packed Madison Square Garden 27 years ago is watching closely. Francine and Michael Miraglia, from Old Bridge, New Jersey, have long held a special connection to the team.

Their emotional engagement took place on the jumbotron at the Garden on March 20, 1998. Michael Miraglia recalls the moment, saying, “I just knew she was the one.” He admitted to being nervous at the time. “My heart was beating through my chest,” he said. Francine added, “Sweating, he was sweating.” Despite the Knicks losing that game, the couple celebrated a victory of their own by marrying a year later on Staten Island.

Since then, they have welcomed three sons whom they raised to be dedicated Knicks fans. “We’ve taken them as much as we can, as much as we’ve been able to,” Francine shared. This past Sunday, their boys appeared on the jumbotron during a watch party for Game 3, continuing the family tradition.

As they prepare for Tuesday night’s game, the couple hopes for a Knicks victory. The Pacers had previously defeated the Knicks when the teams met in the Eastern Conference finals 25 years ago. Michael is optimistic, saying, “They have a lot of star-studded players… They just have to play as a team, not as an individual ball.” Francine added, “I think they can pull it off. I think they can do it.”

The couple recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, a milestone that Francine believes could bring good luck to the Knicks. “It’s been a ride,” she said, as they prepare to return to Madison Square Garden to cheer on their team against the Pacers.