Images like this from last year's Carrier Classic aboard the USS Carl Vinson are why game organizers aren't letting soggy courts get them down. (Photo credit: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Roza Arzola)
Not surprisingly for those in the wood flooring industry, moisture issues popped up at three weekend college basketball matchups on board aircraft carriers. One match was cancelled, one was called at halftime and one was postponed.
The Carrier Classic between Ohio State and Marquette was to take place Friday in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., aboard the USS Yorktown, but condensation made the court too slick for play and the game was cancelled. The Friday Navy-Marine Corps Classic game between Florida and Georgetown in Jacksonville, Fla., aboard the USS Bataan was called at halftime, also due to condensation on the court surface. A rain forecast forced the Friday night Battle on the Midway between Syracuse and San Diego State on the USS Midway in San Diego to be postponed until Sunday. The New York Times reported that "the wood court bubbled near one basket, forcing workers to sand, seal and dry the area."
Despite the weather woes, enthusiasm for "carrier games" appears to be unaffected due to their huge TV ratings and the games' stunning visuals. The promoter of this year's Marquette-Ohio State matchup, Mike Whalen, told USA Today he still plans to hold a game next year in South Carolina, and that he already has schools interested. Mirroring that sentiment, both coaches for Syracuse and San Diego State raved about their teams' experiences.
"I'm glad we came," Boeheim told Yahoo Sports. "I'd play in this event again. ... We wanted to play here and give the players this experience, and I'm glad we did."
The weekend's matches were planned after the success of last year's Carrier Classic in San Diego that pitted Michigan State against UNC.
