carrier classic 11 11-11

Quicken Loans Carrier Classic

11-11-11

Sponsored by:

Early renderings showing what a basketball court on an aircraft carrier might look when finally constructed

A stadium was envisioned with 7,000+ seats for Military personnel, school supporters, media, etc.

This is what was ultimately constructed

which was extremely close to the original vision

A variety of construction cranes were required to lift the thousands of tons of material from the pier to the flight deck of the USS Carl Vinson including

refrigeration for the Hospitality Tent and Musco Sports Lighting

A stairway was built on one of the ship’s elevators to allow lucky ticket holders to climb to their seats on the flight deck. Production trailers

were hoisted aboard and hospitality tents constructed.

Hundreds of production staff and volunteers set out to construct the stadium to get ready for the first ever Veterans Day NCAA Basketball Game on the flight deck of an active aircraft carrier.

ESPN Sports Center Turntable is constructed at one corner of the court. Carrier Classic Program. ESPN HD and 3D

satellite transmission trucks arrive on site.

The actual court arrived on pallets in 280 sections assembled like a jigsaw puzzle. Foam is laid down first and then section by section of

hardwood is connected together creating a perfect court.

This American Airlines Yellow Ribbon 737 aircraft, honoring our troops, is one of the charter planes used to transport the teams

from their home State to San Diego. At left is a water cannon send off for the UNC basketball

team as they depart Raleigh Durham.

The teams arrive in San Diego and immediately come to the Naval Base to see the completed court and stadium on the flight deck. Practicing multi-branch presentation of colors.

The teams posed for pictures at half court and practiced some shots to get

used to the outdoor arena. Special uniforms were created with camouflage patterns and the only name on the back

of all jerseys was “USA.”

Both team’s Athletic Directors , Head

Basketball Coaches, the Navy and Morale Entertainment were beaming

that this event had finally materialized after many years. Jack Arute broadcast his Sirius XM Satellite show from the

flight deck for several days.

As the Title Sponsor, Quicken Loans was prominently displayed

throughout the event, on the pier and on the flight deck.

Branding of the “Carrier Classic”

was widely marketed for

various purposes.

Virtually all 4.5 acres of the massive flight deck were used to stage this event.

The USS Carl Vinson was docked at the North Island Annex of the Naval Air Station, Coronado, California directly across from San Diego. Private vessels sailed by with American Flags flying and

a floating security perimeter was set out with vessels patrolling the waters around the carrier.

Sixty six special seats (Section 700) were set up at court side for the President and First Lady, Wounded Warriors, Active Service Military, Veterans and other

personnel from all branches of the Military.

The basketball hoops were rolled into position, scoring systems checked, ESPN cameras mounted, scorekeeper and officials tables positioned plus seating for the White House

Press Corp and the national media.

Two giant Jumbotrons were hoisted into position. These allowed everyone to have a view of the game score and to view special videos that had been uniquely created for the

Quicken Loans Carrier Classic.

A dinner was hosted on Thursday evening at the San Diego Air and Space Museum by Mark Larson for both teams, their boosters, the

Secretary of the Navy, Military personnel and special guests.

Jay Farner, President of Quicken Loans (above) being interviewed by a Los Angeles Times reporter.

USS Carl Vinson’s crew was thrilled to be the host for this

one of a kind sports event. They proudly displayed their souvenirs

for sale which helped raise money for Morale Welfare and

Entertainment for all sailors.

As the crowds boarded the flight deck, the excitement started to rise. Westwood One interviews Magic Johnson. Col Ed Shock with Mario Lopez who was filming an episode of EXTRA.

The national media was extremely interested in gaining access to this unique Veterans Day opportunity. Here in the Press Tent, the

first formal Press Conference kicks off.

Athletic Directors, Head Coaches, Admiral Denny Moynihan, USS Carl Vinson Captain Bruce Lindsey and Head of Morale Entertainment Mike Whalen,

express their heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to participate in this amazing game.

Future Naval Sailors were proud to have the opportunity to attend this unique game with the President and Secretary of the Navy in attendance

James Worthy was the Honorary Captain for the University of North Carolina. Here the Chapel Hill radio station interviewed James prior to tip off.

This unique trophy would be presented

to the winning team. Here it is

being transported carefully from the

pier to the flight deck.

Game balls being delivered to the flight deck. James Worthy was asked to sign

numerous autographs.

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus inspects the flight deck and stadium, meets the troops and is interviewed on a radio network also feeding Armed Forces Network globally

USS Carl Vinson top Officers describe

for Secretary Mabus every

aspect of how the day’s events will

unfold

Ray Mabus and Jay Farner talk about what this means to the country and how the Quicken Loans Carrier Classic

may begin to shift how Veterans Day is viewed

Mike Whalen and Morale Staff developed a close working relationship with White House personnel and the Secret Service as plans progressed for the President’s visit on Veterans Day 11-11-11

The stage is set, James Worthy signing autographs for the sailors and the teams arrive on the court

A Navy Rock and Roll Band

entertained the crowds as they arrived on the

flight deck.

The President would have an extremely busy day,

starting in Washington, DC, traveling across the country for the Carrier Classic and finally traveling to Hawaii.

Air Force One lands at the Naval Air Station after a low level approach over San Diego Harbor

The red carpet is rolled out and Navy personnel take their positions to greet

the President and First Lady

Barack and Michelle Obama first visited the teams together to give them a

Presidential pep talk. Then, right on schedule, they enter the stadium at the

beginning of the ESPN broadcast.

Saluting the official welcome party.

The President greeted numerous troops to lift their

spirits on Veterans Day

The Navy Band played “Hail to the Chief” and many other Military songs throughout the game.

During the National Anthem

B Taylor was formerly in the Navy and later became a Hip Hop artist. He sang

the National Anthem a cappella.

B Taylor is ecstatic to have been selected to sing the National Anthem on this Veterans Day during the Centennial of Naval Aviation.

The ship prepared all the appropriate flags for this Presidential visit. This Section 700 check-in table was for

the special guests selected to sit with the President. Barack Obama speaks to the nation on Veterans Day.

Ball presentation includes Michigan State Honorary Captain Magic Johnson, Wounded Warrior and former Morale Entertainment Tour Participant Ryan Kules, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus,

Quicken Loans President Jay Farner and UNC Honorary Captain James Worthy

Medal of Honor Recipient John Baca was honored to be in attendance. He inspired many people at the game who had the chance to meet him personally. He was selected by the White House to be seated next to President Obama for the entire game.

Magic Johnson and his trademark laugh and smile. Colors are presented. The President loved being back at an NCAA basketball game.

Special guest Bob Gilliland, SR-71 Chief Test Pilot with his son Rob and Briana.

Two Hospitality Tents are decorated, catered and prepared for our VIP’s and sponsors

Phenomenal game highlights are captured by the national media against one of the most unique

backdrops in sporting history.

Magic was constantly being interviewed

Coach Roy Williams and Staff wear Military style footwear in honor of this game

As the sun set over San Diego Harbor and the Carrier Classic, spectacular colors lit up the night sky. The photo on the following slide captures the magnificence of the

entire breathtaking experience.

Several celebrity guests attended this Veterans Day event. Here Pamela Anderson spends time with the troops who were thrilled to have a photo taken.

The President and First Lady with Wounded Warrior Rafael Machuca

Magic and The President exchanged some thoughts about the game

Admiral Denny Moynihan has a laugh with Coaches

Tom Izzo and Roy Williams

The game gets intense for coaches and avid basketball fans!!!

Brooklyn Decker not only attended

the game, but also played her

heart out during the Half Time

Game called by Dick Vitale

The State Farm Half Time Game was a game of “HORSE” changed to spell “V-I-N-S-O-N” included B Taylor, Brooklyn Decker, James Worthy and volunteer

service members as ball boys

Nov. 11, 2011 - During the State Farm half-time show, Michael Tipsord, State Farm Vice Chairman and COO, awarded $111,120.11 to Scholarships for Military Children.

State Farm sponsored the half-time events and post-game concert at the first Carrier Classic.

At the game’s conclusion, both coaches were exhilarated by the

opportunity to play in the fulfillment of a

long held dream.

“Thank you Mr. President“ for traveling from Washington, DC to raise the awareness of this Inaugural Veterans Day Carrier Classic event for our Nation and to speak to its greater meaning while lifting the spirits to our troops and Veterans around the world

This 85 pound trophy was uniquely designed and cast by Newport News

Shipbuilding that also built the USS Carl Vinson and

many other Naval vessels

The trophy is prepped and carefully rolled into position

in center court

It’s time for the trophy presentation. Roy Williams is elated.

Team members give their jerseys away to deserving troops in the stadium

President Obama congratulates winning Coach Roy Williams. The Coaches give a final interview on the Westwood One Radio Network.

The media cover the trophy presentation.

Naval personnel were incredibly happy to have been given the opportunity to host the game on the USS Carl Vinson. B Taylor gives words of encouragement to Billy Currington.

The Carrier Classic was front page

news around the country and appeared on hundreds of web sites.

The Carrier Classic was seen in newspapers around the world. This article appeared in the Gulf News in the Middle East on November 13th, 2011

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