Illinois Expat: 11-11-11 Carrier Classic

We were privileged to be able to attend the first annual "Carrier Classic" NCAA basketball game between UNC and Michigan State. This would be a big game anyways but it was even more special as it was played on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson. This is the first time anyone has ever tried to do something this unique. It was played on Veteran's Day and only 7000 tickets were available for the game. Justin managed to snag two at the last minute through his command and we dropped everything to go!

The USS Carl Vinson is a special aircraft carrier as it was the one that disposed of Osama Bin Laden's corpse. It was only fitting that this game was played on this carrier on Veteran's Day. We also had the privilege of seeing President Obama since he came to honor the troops and watch the basketball game. He spoke to the crowd before the game started and was readily available to shake hands and take pictures with people during breaks. This game was so surreal to us but such a 'Bucket List' experience!

Heading to the game!! The USS Carl Vinson (Number 70) is behind us.

Holding my "golden ticket"!

So proud to be boarding this great ship!

Justin posing before the game. We had pretty decent seats but the stands were so small that no seat was that bad.

The stands are filling up.

The guy in the sunglasses is basketball legend Jerry West. We had better seats!!

Air Force one banking to come in for a landing at Naval Air Station North Island.

Air Force One taxiing on the runway.

President and First Lady Obama addressing the crowd before right before the game started.

Justin loves this picture because Dick Vitale is sitting down with the headset on just to the left of the player, Obama is sitting in the front row to the right of the ref and Obama is seated next to a Medal of Honor winner.