North Carolina vs Michigan State: Sunny Weather Coming for Historic Outdoor Game

In this new generation of people that are obsessed with advanced technology and couldn't care less about history, college basketball is about to do something really cool.

No. 1 North Carolina will be playing Michigan State on Friday night in the unofficial tip-off to the new season.

It’s an early season battle that is a rematch of the 2009 championship game. But that’s not the only reason to tune in. In an unprecedented move, the game will be played on the deck the USS Carl Vinson, which is anchored outside San Diego.

It’s never been done before, and it adds a whole new element to the game. It had been raining earlier in the week, but the forecast for Friday evening calls for sun and temperatures in the high 60s.

The sun will set in the tail end of the first half of the 4 p.m. PST start, so players will have to adjust accordingly. Since they are on the ocean, wind is going to be a factor as well. The boat is going to be anchored down to ensure it doesn’t rock, but you have to figure the waves will sway it just a tad, right?

It’s such a cool and unique idea, and it’s for a good cause as well. Friday is Veterans Day, and there will be pregame ceremonies for all of our armed forces.

This isn’t just a basketball trip either. TarHeelBlue.com talks about the educational experience the North Carolina players are currently experiencing:

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Virtually every player on this year's roster arrived in San Diego armed with a camera, either still or video. It was, in part, an educational opportunity to see the inner workings of an aircraft carrier, a behind-the-scenes tour that would otherwise never be possible. Henson had to deal with the realities of nine flights of very cramped stairs, and was amazed when told there was a 6-foot-10 sailor on board. The entire team was in the locker room when taps was played on the flight deck as the colors were lowered, and everyone on deck stopped what they were doing and immediately snapped to attention.

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In a week of so many awful stories, this is a reminder that sports can represent the harmony and goodwill. Kudos to all parties involved for this terrific idea.