One of Florida’s most recognizable musicians has paid a hefty price for the chance to see his name in floodlights, by signing a 10-year contract with one of the state’s largest universities.
Representing the Home Team
Armando Christian Pérez, also known by his stage name Pitbull, has always been proud to represent his home city and state. Now, he’s taking that pride to the next level.
Introducing Pitbull Stadium
Last week the hit Reggaeton musician signed a 10-year agreement with Florida International University to rename their college football stadium, formerly known as FIU Stadium, to ‘Pitbull Stadium.’
10-Year Option
He will purchase the naming rights at a rate of $1.2 million per year for the first five years of the contract with the option to renew in 2029, according to details shared with the Washington Post.
First of Its Kind
The deal is the first of its kind – the first time that an American university has named a college stadium after a musician, and the first time any athletics venue has sold its naming rights to an artist or entertainer.
“Official Entrepreneur of FIU Athletics”
It gives Pitbull more than just the joy of seeing his name on the building. He will also be given the title of “official entrepreneur of FIU Athletics” as well as the right to use the stadium for at least 10 days a year, and two VIP box suites for each home game.
Promoting His Vodka Line
His Vodka brand, Voli 305, will also become the leading vodka brand used by the stadium’s beverage vendors. It is advertised as the “first-super premium vodka made in Miami.”
Further Partnership Obligations
The partnership agreement also details some interesting obligations on his end. The star will be expected to promote the FIU on social media a total of 12 times per year, and to allocate 3 hours per year, to attending athletic fundraising events held by the college.
Writing a School Anthem
Lastly, he has also agreed to write a new anthem for the FIU which will be played at all school sporting events for the duration of his contract.
A Complementary Pair
University officials have lauded the agreement, calling it a natural partnership between a high-achieving Floridian public figure and a high-achieving state institution.
Careers Mirroring One Another
“Pitbull’s career trajectory mirrors FIU’s ascent as one of the nation’s top public research universities,” said FIU President Kenneth A. Jessell in a statement on the agreement.
Athletics Department Director
The director of the FIU athletics department, Scott Carr, told Entertainment Weekly that the partnership was about more than just financial contributions – it would be about opening up new opportunities for the school.
Amplifying the School
“[Pitbull] providing a microphone to amplify FIU will be even more beneficial to growing our brand,” Carr said. “I couldn’t be more excited about our partnership as this will take us to another level.”
305 to Worldwide
“Like FIU, he started out very 305 and became worldwide,” Jessell jokes, in reference to Pitbull’s other aliases as Mr. Worldwide and Mr. 305, with the latter being a reference to Miami’s area code.
Honor Not Ego
The Miami native himself has made it clear that the deal is not a matter of ego during his speech at a celebratory ceremony on campus last Tuesday, but a “true honor.”
Connected by Loved Ones
He also acknowledged that while he did not attend FIU himself, many of his loved ones had graduated from the well-regarded university.
“We’re Making History”
“What we’re doing here is groundbreaking. We’re making history. This is history in the making,” he told attendees.
Doing It from the Heart
“You’re going to see every other university wants to do the same thing, but the difference is we don’t do this for propaganda,” he continued. “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. This is my backyard.”
An Interesting Step for College Athletics
His comment about other universities may not be far off. It’s a fascinating first step for US universities, many of which are extending its search for new revenue sources and advertising opportunities through the athletics departments.
First Event Incoming
The 20,000-seat stadium will hold its first event under its new name on September 7, when the FIU football team competes against Central Michigan.
Not His First Contribution
The world-first agreement comes more than a decade after Pitbull made another significant contribution to the Sunshine State, via the nonprofit organization SLAM (Sports Leadership Arts and Management) which he founded in 2012.
DeSantis Under Fire As Florida Left Underwater
Florida residents are struggling this hurricane season, and many are pointing the finger at a certain Governor. DeSantis Under Fire As Florida Left Underwater
Factory Shutdowns in Illinois Devastate 1000 Workers
While the job market seems to be in relatively good shape, some states are feeling the burn – Illinois being one of them. Factory Shutdowns in Illinois Devastate 1000 Workers
Largest Data Breach Exposes Full Names, Social Security Numbers, Driver’s Licenses, and More of 3 Million Americans
A debt collection company just experienced a massive data breach that makes your usual cases of identity theft look like child’s play. Largest Data Breach Exposes Full Names, Social Security Numbers, Driver’s Licenses, and More of 3 Million Americans
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Adam McCullough.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional financial advice.
The images used are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the actual people or places mentioned in the article.