76 Couples Say "I Do" this Valentine's Day at the Sixers

“Mr. Newlywed” himself, Bob Eubanks, returned as the official witness. Jesse D Garrabrant NBAE/Getty Images Photo Gallery

Cupid was very busy at the First Union Center when 76 couples laced up their high-tops and jumped onto center court to say “I Do,” at the sixth annual Sixers Halftime Wedding. The Sixers partnered with WJJZ 106.1, American Airlines and Nestlé for Friday, Feb. 14th’s annual ritual. “Mr. Newlywed” himself, Bob Eubanks, returned as the official witness, and Philadelphia’s Honorable Ronald B. Merriweather officiated the Halftime Wedding ceremony, when the 76ers took on the Orlando Magic.

Eubanks made his fourth appearance for the Sixers at the Halftime Wedding. Host of the successful Newlywed Game television show from 1968-73, Eubanks’ credits include hosting six other game shows during his career. Additionally, throughout his career, he formed his own production company and managed the successful music careers of Dolly Parton, Barbara Mandrell, Marty Robbins, and Merle Haggard. Eubanks started his broadcasting career as a radio disc jockey, and can still be seen hosting “The Hollywood Christmas Parade” with co-host Leeza Gibbons. He recently hosted “Most Outrageous Game Show Moments 2,” which aired in primetime on NBC on Tuesday, Feb. 11, and will host “Most Outrageous Game Show Moments 3” on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. on NBC.

“This is my fourth season acting as the official witness for the Sixers Halftime Wedding,” Eubanks said. “I thought that I had seen just about everything as host of the Newlywed Game. But to witness 76 couples getting married or renewing their vows at halftime, now that is a site to behold!”

This marked the sixth season that the Sixers have hosted their successful Halftime Wedding. In 1997, over 50 couples took part in the ceremony at the Sixers-Nuggets game on Feb. 16, and in 1998, 76 couples participated at the Sixers-Nets game. In 2001, the 76ers married one special couple at halftime of the 76ers-Lakers game on Feb. 14. Last year, once again saw 76 couples marry or renew their vows on center court. Merriweather, who serves in the Philadelphia Municipal Court, will be officiating the ceremony for the first time.

After the ceremony is complete, there was a special postgame reception in the Red Bell Brewery for the couples, friends and fans. WJJZ 106.1 sent one of the lucky, randomly picked couples, to one of 14 great Caribbean destinations. American Airlines awarded two randomly selected couples transportation anywhere in the United States, while the Tropicana Casino And Resort - Atlantic City gave four other couples VIP Escapes. Nestlé provided sweet treats to all of the couples, plus a chocolate treat to everyone who entered the building.