The Quicken Loans Carrier Classic will float Friday night's basketball game between Michigan State and No. 1 North Carolina aboard the USS Carl Vinson, the vessel that helped bury Osama bin Laden at sea in May.
However, it's water from above that could force the first-of-its-kind contest below decks. Rain is in the forecast for Veterans Day in San Diego, where the Vinson is moored, as the teams prepare to face-off and crews construct identical courts in both open-air and hangar settings. The game is scheduled to tip off at 4 p.m. Pacific, roughly the time rain is expected. A decision will be made around 3 p.m. as to where the game will be played.
McWil Sport Surfaces employees begin laying the hardwood floor for the Quicken Loans Carrier Classic
While the two courts, supplied by Connor Sports Flooring and finished by Bona US, will look the same, the surroundings obviously won't. Should the game be staged indoors, not only will there be a ceiling overhead, but seating capacity will decrease from 7,000 to 4,000, leaving some 3,000 ticket-holders high and dry. The game will be televised by ESPN.
