College game days are already legendary. You wake up, throw on your school colors, and head straight to the tailgate. Now, imagine adding pickleball into that mix.

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This fall, the 2025 Collegiate Tailgate Tour is hitting campuses nationwide, blending the energy of top-tier pickleball pros with live music, fun experiences, and all the tailgate vibes you love. 

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What is the 2025 Collegiate Tailgate Tour?

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Cracked Media Ventures (CMV) is teaming up with DUPR to bring pickleball to the heart of college football game days. Each stop features interactive pickleball courts, exhibition matches between pros and student-athletes, and live entertainment designed to create an unforgettable gameday experience for students, alumni, and sports fans alike. From Greek Life tailgates to alumni weekend celebrations, this tour blends competition, music, and culture into one epic event.

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Redefining Game Days with Pickleball

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CMV’s pickleball brand Cracked Paddles will set up two temporary pickleball courts that will pop up on each campus stop, showcasing matches between collegiate pickleball and tennis teams, pro player Alex Crum (AC) , and other athletes. Some matches will even include NIL-supported exhibition play, creating unique opportunities for college players to shine alongside professionals.

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Beyond the Court: Music, Comedy & More

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The experience doesn’t end with pickleball. After the final football whistle, tailgaters can stick around for concerts and comedy acts. AC and special musical guests will perform hour-plus sets exclusively for fraternities and sororities, delivering the perfect post-game party.

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Get Your Official DUPR Rating On-Site

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Want to know your true pickleball level? Each tour stop will feature a certified DUPR Coach running official DUPR Rating Sessions. Whether you’re a seasoned club player or new to the game, you can get your rating on the spot, ensuring you’re ready for future tournaments, leagues, and competitive play.

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Big Names, Big Energy

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The tour brings together CMV’s network of reality TV stars, influencers, comedians, and musicians, curated by Dalton Thieneman, while a dedicated content team captures every moment through live podcasts, photography, and videography.

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The Collegiate Tailgate Tour drives grassroots branding, NIL engagement, merch sales, and deeper audience connections while showcasing pickleball as a core part of the college sports culture.

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Tour Schedule Highlights

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• August 6-10: Bristol, TN
• August 27-31: Las Vegas, NV
• September 5-7: Orlando (UCF) – ATO
• September 8-14: Cincy (UoC) – ATO
• September 19-21: Evansville (UofE) – FIJI
• October 6-12: Virginia Beach (CNU)
• October 11-14: Atlanta (Lifetime Singles Event)
• October 22-26: Vegas (UNLV) – DX
• November 3-9: Dallas (SMU) – Phi Delt
• November 18-23: Lakeland, FL (U of Tampa) – ATO
• December 16-21: Daytona Beach, FL (UCF)

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(Note: Strategic schools and events are selected based on existing relationships and pickleball community engagement).

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This tour represents more than just entertainment; it’s a major step forward in popularizing pickleball among college students and sports fans nationwide. With DUPR’s involvement, the tour will elevate the sport’s profile, promote grassroots growth, and build a loyal fanbase.

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Follow DUPR and Cracked Media Ventures for live updates, behind-the-scenes content, and highlights from each event. Stay tuned for exciting guest appearances, exclusive giveaways, and more!

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