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Grammy-Winning DJ Diplo to Headline Opening Night of Houston’s Pitch Live World Cup Experience

The global music star will kick off Houston's biggest World Cup party at the new 35,000-square-foot entertainment hub from Ben Berg, Army Sadeghi and Brian Ching
Written By: author avatar Megha McSwain
author avatar Megha McSwain
Megha McSwain is the Texas Editor for DiningOut Magazine, managing editorial content for Houston and Dallas. Megha was born in Mumbai, India, and currently resides in Houston. She has a passion for reporting on food, restaurants, chefs, and travel, and has contributed to outlets like Food Network, Eater, InsideHook, Resy, Texas Monthly, and Texas Highways throughout her career. As a trusted member of the local media, Megha also appears as a regular guest on local lifestyle television shows, Great Day Houston on KHOU11, and Texas Today on NBC5.
Grammy-winning DJ, producer and songwriter Diplo will headline opening night of Pitch Live, Houston's new World Cup entertainment destination, on June 11. | Photo by Public Content
Grammy-winning DJ, producer and songwriter Diplo will headline opening night of Pitch Live, Houston's new World Cup entertainment destination, on June 11. | Photo by Public Content

Houston’s World Cup celebration is getting a major dose of star power.

Grammy-winning DJ, producer and recording artist Diplo is set to perform on Thursday, June 11 at Pitch Live, the sprawling new entertainment destination opening in EaDo as the city welcomes fans from around the globe for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The one-night-only performance marks the official launch of Pitch Live, a 39-day pop-up experience created by restaurateur Ben Berg, nightlife pro Army Sadeghi, and Houston Dynamo legend Brian Ching. Located inside the former Warehouse Live space at 813 St. Emanuel St. , the concept is designed to serve as a gathering place for soccer fans, combining food, drinks, live entertainment, and large-scale match viewing just steps from Houston’s official FIFA Fan Festival.

For Sadeghi, whose recent projects include Clarkwood, Melrose, 1111 and the newly opened Arc Room, landing an artist of Diplo’s caliber helps set the tone for what the team hopes will become one of the city’s defining World Cup destinations.

“Having Diplo at Pitch Live is a huge win for Houston,” said Army Sadeghi, co-founder of Pitch Live, in a press release.. “This city shows up for global moments, and we wanted an artist who matches that vibe. His performance brings energy that reflects exactly what this city and World Cup are all about.”

Pitch Live partners Ben Berg, Army Sadeghi, and Brian Ching. | Photo by Alex Montoya
Pitch Live partners Ben Berg Army Sadeghi and Brian Ching | Photo by Alex Montoya

Fresh off a banner year that included executive producing BTS’ latest album ARIRANG and appearances at major international festivals, Diplo remains one of electronic music’s most recognizable figures. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has built a global following through projects including Major Lazer, Jack Ü and Silk City, while collaborating with artists such as Beyoncé, Bad Bunny, Dua Lipa, and Skrillex. His Houston appearance is expected to draw both soccer fans and music lovers to Pitch Live, which will operate from June 11 through July 19.

The 35,000-square-foot venue has been transformed into a Texas-inspired entertainment hub featuring three distinct experiences under one roof. A public main stage will host match watch parties, DJs, and live performances, while a ticketed culinary space offers elevated dining experiences. A separate VIP lounge, led by hospitality partner Ashley Muncie, will provide a more exclusive setting with premium service and amenities.

Throughout the tournament, Pitch Live will broadcast matches from around the world on dozens of screens inside the venue and on a massive outdoor display. The concept also includes nightlife programming curated by Sadeghi, featuring international DJs, specialty cocktails, bottle service, and late-night events designed to appeal to Houston’s international World Cup audience. Diplo’s June 11 performance will take place on the venue’s main stage and feature full-scale lighting, sound, and visual production.

The Berg-Ching-Sadeghi partnership is betting that fans want a destination where soccer, food, nightlife and entertainment converge throughout the tournament’s six-week run. Landing an artist of Diplo’s stature for opening night signals the ambitions behind the project and sets the tone for what organizers hope will become one of Houston’s premier World Cup gathering spots.

Tickets for Diplo’s June 11 performance are $175 and are available through Pitch Live. The venue officially opens June 11 at 10 a.m.

813 St. Emanuel St., Houston, pitchliveranch.com

author avatar
Megha McSwain Texas Managing Editor
Megha McSwain is the Texas Editor for DiningOut Magazine, managing editorial content for Houston and Dallas. Megha was born in Mumbai, India, and currently resides in Houston. She has a passion for reporting on food, restaurants, chefs, and travel, and has contributed to outlets like Food Network, Eater, InsideHook, Resy, Texas Monthly, and Texas Highways throughout her career. As a trusted member of the local media, Megha also appears as a regular guest on local lifestyle television shows, Great Day Houston on KHOU11, and Texas Today on NBC5.
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