The #1 ranked UNC Tar Heels are playing the Michigan State Spartans on board the U.S.S. Carl Vinson as part of the first-ever Quicken Loans Carrier Classic.

A temporary basketball court, lighting and seating for 7,000 spectators were constructed on the flight deck specifically for this game.

From the ESPN game preview:

North Carolina, the nearly unanimous No. 1 team in the preseason, will try to prove itself worthy of expectations. A season ago, the Tar Heels started in the top 10, fell apart and regrouped over the final two months. Their dash to the Elite Eight, coupled with the return of Harrison Barnes, John Henson and Tyler Zeller put the bull’s-eye squarely on the back of a team and a program accustomed to being a target.

The Heels were allowed to grow into themselves last season, to survive early mistakes for late successes. They won’t have that luxury this season, not with all this scrutiny.

How to watch the game:

The game is being broadcast by ESPN and streamed online via ESPN3, which is available for free depending on your internet and cable subscription status.

If you’re in Chapel Hill, you can try to grab a seat at one of these locations — be aware that popular bars will fill up fast.

How to follow the game:

Keep track of the game online using the CBSSports.com GameTracker and by following our comprehensive Twitter list related to all things UNC basketball.

Check out our reesenews galleries of watch parties around Chapel Hill, and photos from San Diego of the ship setup, the UNC team shoot around and military members on the Carl Vinson.