It was announced earlier this summer that Michigan State and the University of Connecticut would open the college basketball season at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany, and organizers say it could be the beginning of a yearly tradition. Dubbed the Armed Forces Classic, the game will be a the first in a series of games played on military installations across the globe, according to The Detroit News.
The game, slated for November 9, will be played inside an airplane hangar on the base and is part of a week-long effort on behalf of ESPN to honor the troops. The initiative is similar to an event last year when Michigan State played North Carolina on board the U.S.S. Carl Vinson off the coast of San Diego. For Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, the opportunity is one he cherishes.
"To now have the opportunity to take our game overseas to servicemen and women serving to protect us is an awesome experience," Izzo said in statement. "I'm reminded of my trips to the U.S. bases in Kuwait, and what a life-changing experience that was for me."
The matchup is especially interesting given Connecticut's roster. The team has three players from Germany, including incoming freshman Leon Tolksdorf.