Carrier Classic Will Be Played Above Deck As Threat Of Rain Lessens

The threat of rain in the San Diego area is "diminishing" ahead of today's 7:00pm ET Carrier Classic men's basketball game on the USS Carl Vinson, featuring North Carolina-Michigan State. MSU AD Mark Hollis said that the "decision to play the game on top of the deck as originally planned was actually made Wednesday" after it became apparent that a game in the hangar below deck would be a "disaster." Seating below deck would be 2,500, rather than 7,000. Hollis said that a rain delay would be the contingency plan (ESPN.com, 11/11).

Secret Service agents were scheduled to arrive this morning to "sweep the ship" because President Obama is expected to attend the game. Basketball HOFers Magic Johnson and James Worthy will be "honorary captains" for their respective alma maters (L.A. TIMES, 11/11).