Florida International University's football stadium will be renamed Pitbull Stadium, the university and the Miami rapper-singer announced Tuesday to thunderous applause.
At a news conference at the university’s Tamiami Hall, Mr. Worldwide looked on as Athletic Director Scott Carr made the announcement before a crowd.
"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?" the athletic director joked in reference to a lyric from Pitbull's "Give Me Everything." "Pitbull in concert at Pitbull Stadium. OK? How about that?"
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Pitbull, born Armando Pérez, beamed and applauded. He said his goal with what FIU described as a 10-year deal was to give back to students and provide them with a place to learn and succeed.
"We don't do this for propaganda. We do it from the heart," he said.
FIU said in a news release:
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"Pérez has a history of promoting education. His nonprofit SLAM (Sports Leadership Arts and Management) Foundation supports K-12 schools in underrepresented communities using an innovative curriculum infused with sports, science, technology, media and more to engage and prepare youngsters for college and industry careers. The first school opened in Miami in 2012, and today 14 schools in five states serve nearly 10,000 students. Now he has connected with an institution of higher education that has served as a foundation for success for many in his community – and the university looks forward to the attention that will bring."
Pérez will pay $1.2 million annually for the next five years, the university said, for the naming rights. He will have an option in August 2029 to extend the deal for another five years and continue the rebranding.
“Yes, we're going to create history in Pitbull Stadium,” the Grammy winner said. “This isn't just an announcement. This is a movement. This is truly history in the making.”
Pérez will also be involved with FIU's efforts in the name, image and likeness space, Carr said.
“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,” 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."
As part of the deal, Pérez gets use of the stadium for 10 days each year rent-free, with some tickets to those events to be set aside for FIU students. A vodka brand he owns will be a preferred brand at the stadium going forward, he will receive use of two suites and 20 VIP parking passes for FIU football home games, and he’s being asked to create an “FIU Anthem” to be played at the school’s athletic contests.
“It's a true blessing, a true honor,” Pérez said. “Let's make history.”
