Florida International University (FIU) has announced that its football stadium will be renamed “Pitbull Stadium” following a five-year agreement with the musician Pitbull.
Pitbull, whose real name is Armando Christian Pérez, will pay $1.2 million annually over the next five years for the naming rights, as reported by the Washington Post.
In addition, Pitbull will create and deliver a song for FIU to be played at all of the university’s sports events. The agreement also includes an option for Pitbull to extend the deal for an additional five years.
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In a statement, Pitbull expressed his excitement, saying, “What we’re doing here is groundbreaking. We’re making history. This is history in the making. You’re going to see that every other university is going to want to do the same thing.
“But the difference is, we don’t do this for propaganda, we do it from the heart. We do it because it’s meaningful. We do it because I’m from the crib. I’m 305. I’m from the bottom. This is my backyard.”
The 20,000-seat stadium will also be available for Pitbull to use 10 days per year throughout the agreement. Additionally, Pitbull’s vodka brand, Voli 305 Vodka, will be sold at the venue.
Scott Carr, FIU’s Director of Athletics, commented on the partnership, stating, “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.
“Armando’s financial support is program-changing, but him providing a microphone to amplify FIU will be even more beneficial to growing our brand. I couldn’t be more excited about our partnership as this will take us to another level. We can now officially say: ‘Paws Up, Dale!’”
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