He's internally known for his music from the 305. And now the Cuban-American artist, known by the moniker Pitbull, is making headlines for something else, a sports deal. Last week, Miami's Florida International University (FIU) Athletics made headlines by announcing an unprecedented partnership with Pitbull. It would be changing its stadium's name to Pitbull Stadium, a first. And just like that, Pitbull makes sports history with his own stadium. ¡Dale!
“Florida International announced what could end up as a 10-year agreement on Tuesday with international recording artist, Grammy winner and entrepreneur Armando Christian Pérez — the Miami native better known as Pitbull — to put his name on their on-campus stadium,” The Associated Press writes.
The historic agreement grants Pitbull exclusive naming rights to FIU Stadium for the next decade. As part of the deal, the venue will now be known as Pitbull Stadium. This move not only solidifies Pitbull’s connection to Miami but also sets a precedent in the sports world. Never before has an artist’s name adorned a stadium in this manner. “It’s a true blessing, a true honor,” Pérez said. “Let’s make history.”
Pitbull Makes Sports History
Pitbull’s partnership with FIU represents a groundbreaking moment. While stadiums have been named after corporations, philanthropists, and historical figures, this is the first time an artist’s brand has taken center stage. The fusion of sports and entertainment in Pitbull Stadium cleafly reflects the music culture of Miami and celebrates one of their favorite residents.
As part of the historic deal, Pitbull will pay $1.2 million a year for five years. Also known by the nicknames Mr. 305 and Mr. Worldwide, Pitbull will also create an anthem for the school.
As for Pitbull, he was born and raised in Miami, and kicked off his music career in the South Florida rap scene. Since his debut in 2004, he has skyrocketed to global stardom. He's one of the most successful recording artists worldwide with hits like “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” and the RIAA Diamond Certified “Give Me Everything."
Pitbull, in His Own Words
Here are his thoughts on his history-making stadium, and more, during a recent ESPN interview:
On what the stadium deal means, as a Miami native:
“Coming from Miami, you've got that chip on your shoulder where you're just the underdog of all underdogs, and you're constantly trying to figure out ways to do things that nobody's thought of or thought was unbelievable and impossible. To be able to pull something like this off, I want to say thank you to FIU, to all the administration, the staff, and the students. To be able to have a Pitbull Stadium and motivate and inspire them, no matter what, I say it all the time—why dream when you can live it? It's definitely an honor, a blessing, and a dream to be here representing FIU and having the stadium named after me.”
On the groundbreaking partnership with FIU:
“What sparked it was basically some creative minds coming up with something that nobody thought would be possible. Once it got to me, I said absolutely. I actually have amazing ties to FIU, with family members and friends who have gone to FIU, graduated from FIU, and constantly represented the Panthers throughout the years. I feel like I've grown with FIU throughout the years in Miami.
“I've been able to see it go from something nobody spoke about to a very respected university academically, and on its way as far as sports as well. Again, I say it's a blessing, an honor, and amazing to be here having this conversation with you about Pitbull Stadium.”
'The Sky is the Limit'
What fans can expect in that new FIU anthem:
“Well, you know, that's a good question. At the press conference, I was telling them what we need to do is let the kids tell us what they want. I'm going to put out a poll so they have their slogans, what they say every day, what they got going on, and then we'll figure out how to put the record together. That way, when they get out there, they're motivated, inspired, and ready to play ball with a lion's heart like a dog.”
On Florida winning the Stanley Cup:
“It just goes to show you, like I was saying before, all the things that people wouldn't believe. The irony of a Stanley Cup coming to Miami, one of the hottest cities in the world, literally. For them to bring it home — after fighting for it for a couple of decades at this point — just goes to show you, as long as you embody that spirit of Miami, of 305, 954, 561, the whole South Florida, there's a saying that says, ‘The sky is the limit.’
“I thought the sky was the limit until I figured out there are footprints on the moon. That's what the Florida Panthers did. They took it to the ice and brought it home. So congrats to the Panthers. It's amazing to be a part of history.”
Feature image courtesy of Florida International University. ¡Dale!
