Florida International University (FIU) Athletics has unveiled a groundbreaking 10-year partnership with international superstar and entrepreneur Armando Christian Pérez, better known as Pitbull. This historic agreement sees FIU Stadium being rebranded as Pitbull Stadium, making it the first athletics venue in the world to bear an artist’s name.
Pitbull, a Miami native who launched his career in South Florida's rap scene, has risen to international fame since his debut in 2004. With chart-topping hits like "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)" and the Diamond-certified "Give Me Everything," Pitbull has become one of the most successful recording artists globally. This partnership with FIU, the only public Division-I university in Miami, is not just a business venture but also a personal milestone for the artist, reflecting his deep ties to the Miami community.
"This partnership with FIU is a true honor and a testament to what we can achieve when we work hard," said Pitbull. "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?"
The rebranded stadium will host various events, including a performance by Pitbull himself, making him the first entertainer to perform in a stadium named after him. FIU President Kenneth A. Jessell highlighted the parallel between Pitbull's rise to global fame and FIU’s growth as a top public research university, both starting from humble Miami roots to achieve worldwide recognition.
Pitbull's involvement with FIU extends beyond the stadium. He will play a key role in promoting FIU football's Vice Night, a themed event featuring Miami-style colors and merchandise. The Panthers will unveil a new Vice uniform during their game against Sam Houston State on October 22, which will be broadcast on ESPNU.
FIU Athletics Director Scott Carr expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing that Pitbull's financial support and public influence will elevate FIU's brand. "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 stated. "Armando’s financial support is program-changing, but him providing a microphone to amplify FIU will be even more beneficial to growing our brand. We can now officially say: 'Paws Up, Dale!'"
The collaboration was facilitated by Van Wagner College, FIU Athletics' multimedia rights partner since 2016. The deal also brought in South Dade Kia as a presenting sponsor, further enhancing the partnership with the branding of the field as South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium.
Lucy Benedetti, Executive Vice President and Co-Owner of South Dade Kia, emphasized the importance of education and sports in connecting with young people, praising the initiative as a commitment to innovation in Miami. "We are delighted to announce our collaboration, demonstrating our collective commitment to innovation in Miami. Together we will enhance education and athletics, creating a brighter future for our students," Benedetti said.
Pitbull’s commitment to education is well-documented. In 2012, he founded the first SLAM! (Sports Leadership, Arts, and Management) charter school in Miami. The SLAM! network now serves nearly 10,000 students across 14 schools in multiple states and has been recognized for excellence in education. Pitbull's newly established SELF 1st Foundation will continue this mission by focusing on strengthening educational opportunities for minority and underserved populations across all levels of education.
Through this historic partnership, Pitbull and FIU are not only making headlines but also setting a new standard for how athletes, entertainers, and educational institutions can collaborate to create lasting impact.
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