Explore Oro Valley and Pickle-icious announce three-year partnership

Published on April 25, 2025

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (April 25, 2025) – Explore Oro Valley and the Pickle-icious Jingle Jam are proud to announce a new three-year partnership with “We Care Tucson” to bring the popular community-driven pickleball tournament to Oro Valley starting in December 2025.

Pickle-icious Jingle Jam has thrilled the Greater Tucson area for the past two years, drawing hundreds of players of all ages and skill levels for unforgettable weekends of competition and camaraderie. Now, with a new home in Oro Valley, the tournament is set to elevate the excitement, broaden its impact, and welcome even more participants—while staying true to its fun-loving, inclusive spirit.

“Our partnership with Pickle-icious is an exciting step forward in our sports tourism strategy,” said Crystal Franke, Destination Marketing Manager for Explore Oro Valley. “We’re looking forward to welcoming athletes and spectators from Arizona and the surrounding region and creating a tournament experience that showcases Oro Valley’s scenic beauty, welcoming community and vibrant dining and hospitality scene.”

The tournament, known for its high-energy play, festive atmosphere, and charitable mission, will make its Oro Valley debut with plans to grow into a must-attend event for players and fans alike. The Jingle Jam brings purpose to play, as it is organized as a fundraiser for We Care Tucson, a nonprofit dedicated to removing barriers to health and technology by providing refurbished medical equipment, computers, and essential supplies to underserved individuals across Southern Arizona.

The collaboration is expected to generate strong tourism and economic activity for Oro Valley by attracting out-of-town participants and spectators who will stay, dine and shop locally throughout the multi-day event. One of this year’s new features is the Home Court Paddle Battle, a friendly team-based competition between pickleball facilities and clubs, offering players even more ways to get involved.

“It means a lot to see the Pickle-icious Jingle Jam take root in Oro Valley,” said Pam Greeb, Jingle Jam Chair for We Care Tucson. “We’ve had great momentum, and this partnership gives us room to grow. The Home Court Paddle Battle brings a whole new layer of fun, and we’re eager to see how players rally behind their local courts. Best of all, it’s all for a great cause—supporting the vital work of We Care Tucson.”

The partnership between the Town of Oro Valley and the Pickle-icious Jingle Jam reflects a shared commitment to growing the sport of pickleball while enhancing the visitor experience in Oro Valley. The tournament will take place Dec. 12–14, 2025, at the Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center, located at 10555 N. La Cañada Dr.

More information about registration and event details will be announced in the coming months. To learn more about the tournament, visit: www.pickle-iciousjinglejam.com.

To learn more about Explore OV, visit the Town's Explore Oro Valley web page, or download the Explore OV app today on the Apple App Store or Google Play to start planning your Oro Valley adventure.

To learn more about We Care Tucson, visit: www.wecaretucson.org.

Media Contacts:

Crystal Franke
Destination Marketing Manager, Explore Oro Valley
cfranke@orovalleyaz.gov | (520) 229-4846

MeMe Aguila
Executive Director, We Care Tucson
memeaguila@wecaretucson.org | (520) 514-1588

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