In a bold move blending music and sports, Pitbull, the Grammy-winning artist and entrepreneur, has acquired the naming rights for the Florida International University (FIU) Stadium. The venue, now officially dubbed "Pitbull Stadium," marks the beginning of a decade-long agreement with Armando Christian Pérez, better known as Pitbull.
Announced on August 6, the deal sees Pitbull paying $1.2 million annually over the next five years to maintain the naming rights of the on-campus venue, home to the FIU Panthers. An option to extend the agreement for another five years in August 2029 further solidifies this partnership.
The deal grants Pitbull exclusive benefits, including 10 rent-free days of stadium use annually, dedicated tickets for FIU students, and branding opportunities for his vodka brand. Additionally, he receives two suites and 20 VIP parking passes for FIU football home games. Notably, Pitbull is tasked with creating an “FIU Anthem” to be featured at the school’s athletic events.
During a news conference in Miami, Pérez expressed his excitement: “Yes, we’re going to create history in Pitbull Stadium. This isn’t just an announcement. This is a movement. This partnership with FIU is a true honour and a testament to what we can achieve when we work hard.”
FIU's athletic director, Scott Carr, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the transformative potential of the partnership: “Armando’s financial support is program-changing, but him providing a microphone to amplify FIU will be even more beneficial to growing our brand.”
Pitbull’s commitment to education in South Florida is well-documented, having founded the first SLAM! (Sports Leadership, Arts, and Management) tuition-free public charter school in Miami in 2012. This new venture with FIU exemplifies his ongoing dedication to inspiring and uplifting the community.
Photo: Scott Legato / Getty Images
