The football stadium at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami is getting a fresh new name, courtesy of the one and only Pitbull, also known as “Mr. 305.”
FIU, one of the nation’s largest public universities and a proud Hispanic-serving institution, has struck a multiyear deal with the Cuban American rapper and producer. Riccardo Silva Stadium will now be rebranded as Pitbull Stadium, as announced by FIU.
“This is history in the making,” Pitbull, born Armando Christian Pérez, said during the announcement. He emphasized his desire to make this experience “amazing for the students” and hoped it would serve as a source of inspiration.
As part of the agreement, Pitbull will contribute $1.2 million annually for the next five years, with the option to extend the naming rights and sponsorship deal for another five years. Additionally, Pitbull will have the privilege of hosting 10 events per year at the stadium, rent-free, including concerts.
This marks a significant milestone, as it’s the first time a renowned musician has ever had an athletics venue named in their honor, according to FIU’s Director of Athletics, Scott Carr, who spoke during the official announcement.
Read: Pitbull The Entrepreneur
Under this partnership, Pitbull will be recognized as the “Official Entrepreneur of FIU Athletics.” His role will involve promoting FIU and its athletics program, including creating a unique “FIU Anthem,” leveraging his massive social media following, and making appearances at one athletic fundraising event annually for three hours. Pitbull’s vodka brand, Voli 305, will also be the stadium’s preferred vodka.
Beyond his music career, Pitbull has been a longtime advocate for education. His nonprofit organization, SLAM (Sports Leadership Arts and Management), operates over a dozen schools across several states, all dedicated to preparing students for college and future careers.
SLAM schools, which cater to K-12 students in underserved communities, offer an innovative curriculum that integrates sports, science, technology, media, and more to engage students and prepare them for higher education and industry jobs. Since opening the first school in Miami in 2012, SLAM has expanded to 14 schools across five states, serving nearly 10,000 students today.
