Throughout the day before game day, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Sailors hosted multiple guests of honor for tours of the basketball arena built for the inaugural Quicken Loans Carrier Classic basketball game to be held aboard the aircraft carrier Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, Navy Chief of Information Rear Adm. Dennis Moynihan, both teams' coaches and athletic directors, and Morale Entertainment Foundation's representatives were aboard for their first Carrier Classic press conference.

According to Moynihan, during planning stages, it was imperative to make this monumental event a celebration of service, to have no operational impact on Carl Vinson, and be of no cost to American tax-payers.

"I think it's a great way to say 'thank you' to all men and women in the service," said Capt. Bruce H. Lindsey, commanding officer of Carl Vinson.

In the afternoon, University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels and Michigan State University (MSU) Spartans took their first shots at the hoops during a practice in the arena. Legendary EPSN Basketball Analyst Dick Vitale arrived during the practice and was immediately impressed by the spectacle.

"I'm just in awe," Vitale said, "in awe seeing the people who represent what this ship is about. It's impressive beyond belief."

Vitale received a tour of the ship and took some time to meet with any interested Sailors, offering words of support and encouragement in the chief petty officers' lounge.

Sailors coming up to the flight deck to get a glimpse were able to meet their favorite players after practice and get autographs.

"We just want to say thanks to get the opportunity to come aboard this ship," Spartan Guard Austin Thornton said. "To spend time and interact with these guys is the least we can do."

Even though it was their second day on the ship, it still impressed the players from both teams.

"It's crazy just to be here," Tar Heels Guard Dexter Strickland said. "To be on the aircraft carrier and to be one of the first teams to play is just a great experience."

For more news from USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn70/.