Bringing the Energy to a 7-Hour Soccer Tournament DJ Set

This weekend I had the opportunity to DJ a seven-hour soccer tournament, and it was an experience that really highlighted what it means to be prepared, professional, and connected to the crowd. The event included families, players of all ages, and a mix of cultures, so the music needed to reflect that. I focused on a blend of Latin music—reggaeton, cumbias, salsa, merengue, corridos, bachata—and mixed in some fun English tracks that kept the energy high and the environment positive.

Before the event, I asked about the previous DJ who handled the tournament in years past. I learned that the last two years he had arrived late—one year even showing up two hours behind schedule—and still needed extra time to set up. For an event as large and energetic as a soccer tournament, that simply isn’t acceptable. Music sets the tone from the first whistle.

We arrived at 7:20 AM for a 9:00 AM start time to ensure a smooth setup. The previous DJ used only two speakers to cover both a full soccer field and a basketball court. I knew that wouldn’t support clear, consistent sound. We set up four speakers and positioned them to ensure music and announcements were heard across the entire field. The difference showed immediately.

One of the best compliments of the day came from someone who said, “We’ve hired many DJs before and they all failed. You’re actually good.” That meant everything.

So what’s the secret to playing a great set? It’s simple: Look at your audience. Play music they know. When people hear songs that speak to them, they connect, they respond, and the energy becomes unforgettable.

 One of the most fun I have as a dj is playing at a retail store. The instruction is to play fun feel good music. This is as open format I can get. Open format is just a bit of everything. Typical djs stick with one genre. Open format djs cover a wide array of music to satisfy the diverse crowds. With Sherman Oaks I wanted to go with an old school disco 80s theme so I went that route. I feel Donna Summers was the biggest hits of that day. I was there for three hours and it was a good time.

  For Brea I went with a Latin theme and old school plus some feel good classics. It was for five hours. Typically, when I play I give out a card or two but today I gave out like 10 cards and two folks talked to me about doing their wedding in 2025. What made it different this time around? I just bounced all over the place with some Latin gems then going to some 90s dance hits then hitting the disco hits. I added some dance hits the past 10 years. I think I solved the puzzle for a cool retail store is to play songs people know and play the original song. Nothing really needs to be housed up. People want to hear songs they know the words to. Also its good to smile at the patrons when they pass by and not be too focused on what you are going to play next but enjoy the moment and it makes the dj more approachable.