Big-time college basketball is coming to an unfamiliar venue.

This Nov. 11 – yes, that would be 11/11/11 – the University of North Carolina and Michigan State University men's basketball teams, two of the nation's premier programs, will play the first-ever college basketball game on the deck of an aircraft carrier.

Dubbed the Carrier Classic, the game will be played within a makeshift, stadium-seating arena constructed on the deck of an as-yet-undetermined ship, but we do know that it will take place in the San Diego harbor.

"We are privileged to be a part of this tremendous initiative honoring our veterans and troops," said Nick Dawson, ESPN's director of programming, in a statement. "It's exciting to still be able to televise new and unique games after 32 years and more than 9,500 live game telecasts."

Indeed, as far as gimmicks go, this one ranks pretty high, and what could get really interesting is if there's rain on the day in question. In the event of inclement weather, the game will be played below the flight deck, presumably in front of some much smaller crowd.

The current proposal only allocates seating for approximately 7,000 spectators topside, and no tickets will be on sale to the public. Instead, we imagine that the crowd will be mostly of veterans and military personnel, considering the location and the specific date.

But what could top basketball on an aircraft carrier? It sure beats puddle tennis.

Images: ESPN

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