Kaylah Walton
Florida International University recently announced a significant deal with international music artist and entrepreneur Armando Christian Perez, known as Pitbull. The on-campus stadium for the FIU Panthers will now bear the name Pitbull Stadium as part of a potential 10-year collaboration.
Perez will pay $1.2 million annually over the next five years for the naming rights, with an option to extend the agreement for another five years beyond 2029.
During a press conference in Miami, Pitbull expressed his excitement stating, “Yes, we’re going to create history at Pitbull Stadium. This is not just an announcement. It’s a movement. It’s really a historic event.”
Pitbull Pioneer in Stadium Naming
This deal with Pitbull marks a first where an artist owns the naming rights to a stadium according to FIU. Athletic director Scott Carr mentioned that Pitbull will also contribute to FIU‘s naming, image, and likeness initiatives.
Carr stated, “This is a historic day for FIU athletics to partner in a unique way with a world-renowned artist and an incredible person who truly values relationships and his community.”
The agreement includes benefits for Perez such as using the stadium rent-free for 10 days annually, reserved tickets for FIU students at his events, and promoting his vodka brand at the stadium. Additionally, he will have access to suites and VIP parking passes for FIU home soccer games.
Pitbull, dubbed “Mr. 305,” began his music career in South Florida and evolved into a globally renowned artist over the years.
FIU President Kenneth A. Jessell remarked, “Pitbull‘s career trajectory mirrors FIU’s growth as one of the top public research universities nationally. Like FIU, he started locally and became a global influence.”
Perez has been an advocate for education in South Florida, establishing a public charter school, SLAM! (Leadership, Arts, and Sports Management) in Miami in 2012.
He emphasized, “It’s about bringing everyone together. … Hard work is what pays off. They tell me, ‘You’re so lucky.’ Well, the harder I work, the luckier I get.”
