From Game Day Roar to Wedding Day Joy: How The Music Place Brings Magic to Every Celebration

For the last four football seasons, the heart-thumping soundtrack inside Notre Dame Stadium has come from one source: DJ Sticky Boots, known off the field as Blake of The Music Place. As the in-stadium DJ for all home football games, he has mastered the art of matching music to moments—whether it’s the quiet tension of team warm-ups or a stadium full of 77,000 fans erupting as the perfect song hits at just the right time.

But Blake’s connection to the Notre Dame community goes far beyond football. Couples with ties to Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s frequently request him for their weddings, knowing he can infuse their celebration with tradition, nostalgia and unforgettable energy. Whether he’s amplifying a reception at the Morris Inn or adding a nod to campus culture during open dancing, Blake brings the same passion and precision to weddings as he does to game day!

Below, Blake shares an inside look at what makes Notre Dame events so meaningful—on and off the field.

Life Inside Notre Dame Stadium

A Unique Role in College Football

As the in-game DJ for Notre Dame football home games, Blake handles everything from the peaceful pre-game soundtrack played during team prayer, to energizing fans as they take their seats, to working in tandem with the marching band during high-intensity moments. While he collaborates with the in-game A/V producer, Blake has creative control over most music selections—allowing him to shape the atmosphere of each game in real time.

Moments That Stand Out

He recalls the first time the stadium was full and the entire crowd reacted to his musical cue—an experience unmatched even after performing for large crowds before. Other highlights include the nail-biting last-second win over Clemson, which happened to fall on the eve of his birthday, and the famed snowy Senior Day shutout of Boston College in 2022. These memories, he says, are “the kind that stay with you forever.”

 

Working With Notre Dame & Saint Mary’s Couples

Building Trust Through Shared Tradition

Although Blake is an Indiana University graduate, his work on campus and admiration for the Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s communities give him a deep connection with alumni couples. Many of them knew his work before they ever booked him—he may have shaped the soundtrack to some of their favorite college memories long before their wedding plans began.

A Personalized Approach

Blake often designs weddings that weave in the couple’s campus experiences. He’s worked with graduates from nearly every academic and professional program, as well as former athletes and marching band members—who especially appreciate hearing stadium-day favorites woven into their receptions. Many couples discover him through word-of-mouth after attending a wedding he DJed, which he considers “the highest compliment.”

 

Favorite Venues for Notre Dame-Inspired Celebrations

Blake has played at venues all around the region, but for Notre Dame-related events, a few locations stand out:

On Campus

• Smith Ballroom, Morris Inn
• Downes Ballroom, Notre Dame Stadium

Off Campus

• Palais Royale
• The Armory
• Blue Heron

Many of these venues are known for their spacious layouts and high ceilings—settings where The Music Place’s powerful audio systems and uplighting setups shine.

Infusing Irish Spirit Into the Big Day

Weddings for Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s couples often incorporate campus traditions, and Blake is ready for all of them. From the iconic fight song to the 1812 Overture or the Irish Jig, these nods to game day bring out strong emotions and unforgettable energy. He also mixes in staple tracks from local favorites like Finnie’s or the ‘Backer—songs every alum knows by heart.

Former athletes and band members often request music special to their time in the stadium, making their reception feel uniquely theirs.

 

What Couples Are Saying

Carson & Ben — Smith Ballroom, Morris Inn (July 2024)

"I do not have enough words to profess how incredible Blake was as our DJ. During the planning process he was extremely relatable, fun and respectful of our wishes. He made great recommendations and eased any concerns we had about our big day. He also took the time to respond to us while he was on vacation and sent us an advanced shortened version of our first dance song so that we could practice our first dance.

On the day of, Blake blew EVERYONE away. My husband was very concerned about the size of my dress while dancing so Blake ran us through the song early so we could practice before the reception began. His instincts as a DJ were SPOT-ON! Every song he played in the order he played them contributed to the absolute best party. Our tastes are a little all over the place (country, classic rock, oldies) and Blake was able to mix them all in and give us a night to truly remember. He was fantastic on the aux during introductions and kept our rowdy crowd going for hours and hours. What might've been most impressive is that he managed to get all 200 guests out of the ballroom in less than two minutes so that we could have our 'last dance'.

We have received nothing but rave reviews from our guests and my husband and I still talk weeks later about how incredible Blake was. An amazing surprise is that he's very active on social media and took a ton of pictures and videos of the dance floor throughout the night that we'll now get to keep forever! Do not hesitate for a SECOND to hire Blake - it'll be one of the best choices you make for your wedding day. We truly could not have imagined the night without him!!!"
 

Jenna & Matthew — The Armory (August 2024)

"We cannot recommend The Music Place enough! Blake was responsive, professional and friendly from the start. He helped us refine the order of events for our day during the planning process, and executed everything perfectly on our wedding day. We received many compliments from our guests on the music throughout the night, and he was flexible in accommodating some of our specific music choices. The lighting package also took our event to the next level! Hire DJ Sticky Boots!!"

The Golden Standard of Service

Being part of the Notre Dame community continually inspires Blake to elevate his craft. The diversity of students and alumni—each with their own stories, backgrounds and traditions—shapes the way he approaches every event. Striving for “a golden standard of service,” he aims to create meaningful, personalized experiences for each couple he serves.

 

Ready to Celebrate With Music You’ll Never Forget?

If your dream wedding involves nonstop dancing, impeccable music curation and a DJ who genuinely understands the Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s community, The Music Place is the team to book!

High-demand dates often fill up a year or more in advance, and reservations can be made up to 18 months ahead. Visit their website to check availability and secure your date!

 

 

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