The third time was a total charm for PROPER NYE/NYD, which built on its two previous editions at Petco Park in downtown San Diego and put on an absolutely stunning two-day event on New Year's Eve 2024 and New Year's Day 2025. Presented by FNGRS CRSSD, PROPER drew its largest crowd yet to the ballpark of the San Diego Padres. PROPER also booked some of the most highly acclaimed acts today including Dom Dollar, John Summit, Eric Prydz and Charlotte de Witte. House and techno fans properly rang in 2025 at the premier event. 

Both days had perfect Southern California weather and attendees enjoyed the chance to dance on the field of the ballpark and hang out in the seats and concourse. They also grooved in spaces around the ballpark, and the venue played a large part in making it memorable. Edmtrain rates Proper NYE/NYD as stellar.

Petco Park opened its doors to ravers and offered them a unique place to experience their favorite DJs. From the moment fans stepped in, they could feel the grandeur of the ballpark and access the field level or walk around the concourse and chill in the seats. The experience at PROPER was unique both in the daytime and night.  

The Field stage was a natural star of the festival. It's not often that dance music fans get to see DJs play at a baseball stadium, let alone watch an entire festival over two days. The stage was set up at a far end of the field and it was a popular place that got packed quickly. Being in the stands was its own unique and worthwhile experience. While some ravers don't like to be confined to the seats, it was a remarkable view from any location in the ballpark, and a sight to behold the stage at the center of the field. 

The Lot stage was the second-largest dancefloor and was situated in a parking lot-like place outside of the stadium. The Lot hosted many of the finest acts in techno, and the setting was fitting. The Lot was rectangular-shaped and stretched far back, with the crowd filling practically all the available space. The view of the stadium from there was alluring as well. It was the perfect stage to accommodate the vibe of techno. 

The Park stage was nestled near a grassy area adjacent to Petco Park. It had the beautiful backdrop of the stadium and downtown high-rise buildings. The Park was the perfect place to chill and listen to some thought-provoking music. On New Year's Eve, the Park hosted numerous house icons including Francis Mercier, DJ Tennis and Patrick Topping. On New Year's Day, the Park welcomed artists with a live vibe including Kasbo, Vandelux and Elderbrook. Its close proximity to the Field and the three other PROPER stages made it a must-visit as well.

The Wall stage was the smallest stage at PROPER but it had an intimate feel unlike any other. It was literally set up against a wall right at the exterior of the stadium. It was the home to two curated takeovers – Anjunadeep on day one and Lane 8's This Never Happened on day two. It was especially cool to see the Anjunadeep logo hung beneath the Padres sign on the wall, which demonstrated the lovely partnership that FNGRS CRSSD has forged with San Diego's team.

Cassian: The Australian producer's performance brought the best of deep house and melodic techno to Petco Park. Known for his ability to blend subtle melodies with driving basslines, Cassian had a captivating set that was immersive, with a focus on evolving synths and intricate rhythms that kept the crowd hooked from start to finish. The energy in Petco Park built gradually, with Cassian expertly reading the crowd, teasing in classic house hooks before dropping euphoric moments that had everyone in sync. His choice of tracks ranged from emotive, melodic progressions to groove-driven beats, showcasing his versatility and musical depth. He was undoubtedly a highlight at the Lot stage on day two.

Charlotte de Witte: Wearing a Padres jersey, the queen of techno Charlotte de Witte electrified the crowd closing out the Lot stage on New Year's Day. Known for her hard-hitting techno sets, she brought an intensity and precision that left the crowd in awe. Her set was a dark, hypnotic journey into industrial rhythms and pounding basslines. Each track transitioned smoothly and her ability to command the stage was undeniable. Techno fans came out en masse for Charlotte's set and left totally satisfied to start the year.

Dom Dolla: Australian superstar Dom Dolla had closing duty at the Field stage on New Year's Day and it was no surprise, given he is one of the biggest artists today. His set was a journey into deep, groovy house music that had the entire crowd moving non-stop. From the moment he took the stage, Dom Dolla’s mix of house, tech-house and dancefloor-friendly hits lit up Petco Park, turning it into a non-stop party. His undeniable connection with the crowd fueled the excitement throughout. Tracks like girl$ and San Frandisco were met with loud cheers, and his use of punchy bass and catchy vocal loops kept the energy at a peak. For many, Dom Dolla's performance was the highlight of PROPER. 

John Summit: Chicago-raised star John Summit delivered a very satisfying set of infectious house rhythms and energy. Known for his ability to connect with the crowd, Summit had everyone at the Field stage on New Year's Eve on their feet. From driving basslines to catchy vocal samples, Summit’s set flowed with precision and created an inclusive atmosphere that encouraged dancing the entire time. He struck a perfect balance between keeping the energy high and incorporating deeper moments that allowed for brief moments of musical release. Summit’s knack for reading the room and adjusting his tempo to the crowd’s energy was evident throughout, ensuring there was never a dull moment. Tracks like Make Me Feel and Human kept the vibe rolling, and Where You Are and Shiver were of course crowd favorites. He showcased why he’s one of the brightest stars in the house scene right now.

Matroda: The Croatian DJ took the crowd at the Field on New Year's Eve on an exhilarating ride through the world of tech-house and bass-driven rhythms. His occasional transitions into slightly darker, heavier sounds kept things exciting. Matroda also showed off his ability to create moments of tension and release, using drops and buildups that enhanced the dynamic flow of the set. He kept the crowd hyped with every track including his massive hits Forget It and Can't Fight The Feeling.

Mau P: The Dutch DJ who has had a meteoric rise to fame stood out as one of the most fun and infectious performers at PROPER. He took the stage at the Field around sunset and brought a mix of deep house and funky, groovy beats that injected a playful energy into Petco Park. From the moment he hit the stage, Mau P’s laid-back yet confident vibe captivated the crowd. His set was filled with catchy melodies, rolling basslines, and bouncy rhythms that encouraged nonstop dancing. He saved his blockbuster hit Drugs From Amsterdam for last when night had descended on the field, driving the crowd wild. 

While dance music fans have come to expect no less than premier experiences from FNGRS CRSSD given its great track record with CRSSD, PROPER reached a next level of preeminence with its third edition. It has taken the crown as the go-to New Year's event for house and techno devotees through both a creative use of Petco Park and by booking a top notch lineup.

In just a few short years, PROPER has become a go-to festival not only for Southern Californians but for devotees to the underground genres from across the US. PROPER is on pace to grow even bigger next year, as fans realize its combination of music, production and typically sunny weather is an unbeatable way to ring in the new year.