Nov 18, 2023; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Lorando Johnson (1) tackles FIU Panthers wide receiver Kris Mitchell (10) during the fourth quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas won 44-20. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports Florida International will welcome its opponents to Pitbull Stadium in Miami, beginning this football season.
The university and Miami-based entertainer Armando Christian Perez, better known as Pitbull, agreed to a deal of at least five years to rebrand the campus stadium with his name.
The FIU board of trustees approved the deal Tuesday. According to the board’s agenda notes, the deal is for five years for $1.2 million annually, running from now until August 2029. After the initial term expires, Pitbull has the option to renew the agreement for five more years with the same financial structure.
Under the agreement, the former FIU Stadium will become the first athletics venue in the world with a musical artist holding the naming rights, the university said.
A Miami native, Pitbull began his career as a rapper in South Florida, with his debut album in 2004.
“This partnership with FIU is a true honor and a testament to what we can achieve when we work hard,” the 43-year-old entertainer said in a school news release. “Renaming the stadium isn’t just about a name change. It’s about inspiring the community, creating opportunities and showing the world that with determination and a clear vision, anything is possible. We’re making history together, and we’re just getting started. Why dream when you can live it?”
His ties to the community run deep. He is known as Mr. 305, in honor of Miami’s area code.
“This is a historic day for FIU Athletics to uniquely partner with a world-renowned artist and amazing person who truly values relationships and his community,” athletic director Scott Carr said. “Armando’s financial support is program-changing, but him providing a microphone to amplify FIU will be even more beneficial to growing our brand. I couldn’t be more excited about our partnership as this will take us to another level.”
As for the perks of the deal, Pitbull will be called the “Official Entrepreneur of FIU Athletics.” He also can use the 20,000-seat stadium rent-free up to 10 days per year, have affiliated performers appear at halftime or at postgame shows of home football games, and use two suites per each home game. His vodka brand, Voli 305, will become the preferred brand of the stadium and stadium club.
Pitbull agreed to create an FIU “anthem” to play at all FIU sporting events, distribute 12 social media posts per year on his accounts and appear at one athletics fundraiser per year.
The first football game at Pitbull Stadium will be played Sept. 7 against Central Michigan.
–Field Level Media
