More Than a Game: Nike’s TOMA La Noche Kicks Off in Compton (Recap)

Nike kicked off TOMA La Noche in Compton, Los Angeles, transforming Burrell MacDonald Park into a night-only street football experience rooted in creativity, individuality, and self-expression. Designed as a small-sided format played after dark, TOMA La Noche strips the game back to its rawest form. Where instinct leads, flair matters and personality takes center stage.

Hosted by Compton FC at the Nike supported community pitch, the opening night felt less like a traditional tournament and more like a cultural gathering. Families, friends and local crews lined the field, creating an atmosphere that celebrated not just competition, but the love of the sport itself. Multiple Compton FC teams took the pitch, representing a growing, homegrown soccer culture in the neighborhood.

Photo credit: Angel Montalvo

The energy extended beyond the game. Live performances from AZChike, Shoreline Mafia, Hit-Boy, Cuzzos, BUDDY and Kalan.FrFr infused the night with unmistakable Los Angeles sound. Blending sport and music into one shared experience. Under the lights, the pitch became a stage for athletes to express themselves, for artists to amplify the moment, and for the community to gather in pride.

TOMA La Noche also marked the beginning of a broader citywide rollout. Neighborhood tournaments will take place across Los Angeles from March through June, with teams competing for future championship moments. To further investing in the city’s grassroots football culture.

In Compton, football is more than a game. It’s fast, expressive, peer driven and deeply cultural. For one night, Nike didn’t just host an event, it created space for possibility, self belief and community to thrive together.