Spalding, a division of Russell Brands, LLC, will be an official sponsor of the 2012 Carrier Classic, the 2nd annual college basketball doubleheader played on Veterans Day on the deck of a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. This year’s event will take place Nov. 9 aboard the USS Yorktown in Charleston Harbor, SC, and feature men’s teams from Marquette and Ohio State and the women’s teams from Ohio State and Notre Dame.

For this year’s match-ups, Spalding will provide two Arena 10’portable backstops (same units seen on NCAA Final Four and NBA arenas) along with Spalding ball racks.  Two Spalding representatives, who are also military veterans, will handle installation aboard the carrier.

“The Carrier Classic is a unique tribute to our armed forces and Spalding is honored to be part of the game,” said Gary Barfield, executive vice president, Russell Brands, LLC. “We are proud to help celebrate these great teams, our armed service members and our country at this event.”

Proceeds from the game will benefit a number of charitable organizations, including the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and Museum and the Wounded Warrior Projects.  Game day tickets will be made available for veterans and members of the armed forces, in addition to being on sale to the public. Both games will air live on ESPN.

To learn more about the Carrier Classic, visit http://carrierclassic.net/.