What do pickleball and Owala have in common? They’re both among the year’s viral trends. And when you combine the two, you get the Owala ‘25 College Tour. The fan-favorite water bottle company is bringing pickleball to college campuses next week. After all, you’d never go to a pickleball court without a way to hydrate.
Plus, Owala recently announced its new Halloween-themed designs, which drop in the coming weeks. Whether you’re hoping to add a new color to your Owala collection or just looking for a new water bottle for the school year, there’s no better front row access to Owala products than this upcoming event.
What is the Owala ‘25 College Tour?
Owala has visited cities from New York to Los Angeles, sometimes with its merch-filled van in tow. But this tour focuses on the brand’s primary user base — college students. It arrives just in time for the start of the semester, when you realize a plastic water bottle every day won’t get you through the school year.
Along with the van, Owala is bringing whole pickleball courts. Attendees can play to win products — including the brand’s iconic FreeSip bottle— and merch. Matches are free and open to all levels, meaning you don’t have to be a prop to get cool, free stuff.
Where is the Owala ‘25 College Tour headed?
Three campuses get to experience the Owala tour: The Ohio State University on September 23, Indiana University on September 25, and Nebraska University on September 30.
The court stays up from 3 p.m to 7 p.m. in each college’s respective time zone. You can register online at each university’s registration link above or in-person at the event.
How do I play pickleball?
Think tennis, but played with a paddle instead of a racket. Pickleball has grown popular due to its accessibility and friendliness to beginners. It’s become a pastime of celebrities from Billie Eilish to Bill Gates. Thanks to the sport’s easygoing nature, it’s a great way to socialize.
At the Owala tour, you won’t have to brave the court alone. You’ll play in teams of four divided into two pairs, with partners rotating throughout the 10-minute match.
What if I don’t play pickleball?
It’s totally fine if you don’t feel like lacing up your gym shoes. You can still get your water bottle and merch fix from the Owala van, and you can even have products purchased on-site engraved for free. The event will also feature photo-ops, snacks, games, and music.
And who knows? Maybe you’ll give pickleball a try and find the perfect new hobby. Of course, you’ll need a water bottle for that.