Mr. Worldwide is making his mark in college sports, as world-renowned rapper Pitbull bought the naming rights to Florida International University’s football stadium.
On Tuesday, it was announced that Pitbull, real name Armando Perez, signed a five-year deal worth $6million, with an option to extend after the first five years. In doing so, the stadium will be the first collegiate athletics facility named after a musician.
Besides FIU’s video promotions unveiling ‘Pitbull Stadium’, the Miami native was also at a news conference at the university’s Tamiami Hall with Athletic Director Scott Carr.
‘It’s my great honor to officially announce a partnership unique to the 305 with a worldwide brand,’ Carr said. ‘Just so you all know, this will be the first time an athletics venue has ever been named after a world-renowned musician.’
‘So picture this–should I say with a Kodak?’ Carr added, referencing a lyric from Pitbull’s 2011 hit ‘Give Me Everything.’ ‘Pitbull in concert at Pitbull Stadium. OK? How about that?’
Rapper Pitbull purchased the naming rights for Florida International University’s stadium
‘We don’t do this for propaganda,’ Perez said. ‘We do it from the heart.’
The home of the Panthers has gone by ‘FIU Stadium’ for the last two years between naming-rights deals. From 2017 to 2022, the stadium was named after Italian businessman Riccardo Silva, who paid almost $4m to renovate the venue.
With his new deal, Pitbull’s vodka brand Voli 305 will be sold at FIU games. He will also have two suites for up to 40 guests, the ability to use the venue for 10 days each year, and the title ‘Official Entrepreneur of FIU Athletics.’
As part of the deal, Pitbull will also record an anthem for the university and promote it on social media.
The Miami native signed a five-year deal worth $6million with an option to extend
The venue was previously named after Riccardo Silva but has gone by ‘FIU stadium’ since 2017
Besides the Panthers, the stadium also houses USL club Miami FC – which is owned by Silva.
FIU football was founded in 2002 and competes in Division 1’s FBS. Despite being a young program, they have played in five bowl games and won two of their appearances.
