EAST LANSING, Mi. and SPOKANE, Wa. (November 11, 2022) – Michigan State University and Gonzaga University, in conjunction with the universities’ exclusive trademark licensing company, CLC, are partnering to deliver military-inspired merchandise to engage fans as the universities’ basketball teams prepare to compete on the deck of a Navy aircraft carrier.

Known as the Armed Forces Classic by ESPN, the basketball game takes place November 11, Veteran’s Day, on the USS Abraham Lincoln in the San Diego harbor and marks the first time a college basketball game has been played on the water in a decade. With limited space and tickets for in-person game viewing, fans can support their teams through this special merchandise collection that will combine unique camo designs with school logos.

The merchandise collection includes top licensees ‘47 Brand, Blue 84, Nike/BCS, and ProSphere. Gonzaga and Michigan State will each donate a portion of royalties from the sale of the merchandise to veterans service organizations in their respective local communities.

Military inspired merchandise supporting the game will be available at the Follet-managed Michigan State and Gonzaga campus bookstores, the Spartan Spirit Shop, as well as each university’s respective team branded store on Fanatics.

In addition to the merchandise collection, both universities will be gifting a limited number of “Hero Boxes,” which include university branded Operation Hat Trick (OHT) merchandise, to social media participants.

About Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University, founded in 1887 in the Jesuit tradition, is a private Liberal Arts institution offering 15 undergraduate degrees through 53 majors, 54 minors, and 37 concentrations. GU also boasts 22 master’s programs and five doctorate degrees in college and six schools. The beautiful 152-acre campus is located just five minutes north of downtown Spokane, Wash.

About Michigan State University

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 165 years. One of the world’s leading research universities, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery to make a better, safer, healthier world for all while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

For media inquiries, contact:

Tammy Purves, CLC, tammy.purves@clc.com, 770-799-3275