It isn’t a new idea. ESPN has put a college basketball game on an aircraft carrier in the past, but it was a while ago. 2021 seems like an ideal time to roll the concept out again.
According to CBS’s Matt Norlander, the World Wide Leader has finalized a deal with Michigan State and Gonzaga for a Veterans Day matchup. A formal announcement that the two teams will meet aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln could come as early as Wednesday.
The Abraham Lincoln is docked in San Diego. ESPN is eyeing a tip time that would be in prime time on the East Coast.
The last college basketball game played on board an aircraft carrier saw Syracuse beat San Diego State aboard the USS Midway in San Diego in 2012. More than 8000 people, including President Obama and his family, were in attendance.
Aircraft carrier games were supposed to be a regular thing for ESPN. On Veterans Day in 2011, North Carolina easily beat Michigan State on board the USS Carl Vinson in San Diego. The following year, four games were planned in San Diego, Charleston, SC and Jacksonville, FL. Two of the games had to be canceled due to issues of condensation on the court.
Michigan State and Gonzaga will revive the event. Norlander says that according to a source, ESPN is not looking to make it an annual affair.
I loved this concept a decade ago. I am not sure it needed to comeback, but I am Ok with it. I am a huge Gonzaga fan, and love the Zags getting another top game; but I wish it was in a regular Gym, not on an aircraft carrier.