FIU Athletics, Pitbull announce unprecedented partnership and naming of football stadium (2024)

On Tuesday, Florida International University (FIU) Athletics announced a groundbreaking partnership with international superstar and entrepreneur Armando Christian Pérez, better known as Pitbull.

The 10-year agreement will see FIU Stadium rebranded as Pitbull Stadium, making it the world’s first-ever athletics venue with an artist possessing the naming rights.

Pitbull kicked off his music career in the South Florida rap scene. Since his debut in 2004, he has skyrocketed to global stardom, becoming one of the most successful recording artists worldwide. His hits like “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” and the RIAA Diamond Certified “Give Me Everything” have dominated charts and united fans across the globe.

The unrivaled collaboration includes multi-faceted marketing and promotional opportunities between Pitbull, a Miami native, and FIU – the only public Division-I institution in Miami.

“This partnership with FIU is a true honor and a testament to what we can achieve when we work hard,” said Armando Christian Perez (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?”

When he steps on the stage at Pitbull Stadium, the GRAMMY®-winning artist will be the first entertainer in history to perform in an athletics facility bearing his name.

“Pitbull’s career trajectory mirrors FIU’s ascent as one of the nation’s top public research universities,” said FIU President Kenneth A. Jessell. “Like FIU, he started out very 305 and became worldwide.”

FIU Athletics, Pitbull announce unprecedented partnership and naming of football stadium (1)

The partnership also marks Pitbull’s participation in FIU football’s Vice Night, featuring Miami-style colors and merchandise, with the Panthers donning their nationally acclaimed Vice uniform. This year’s game – which will feature a new Vice uniform – will take place on Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m. against Sam Houston State and will be broadcast across the country on ESPNU.

“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,” FIU Director of Athletics Scott Carr commented. “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!’”

Van Wagner College, FIU Athletics’ 3rd-party multimedia rights partner since 2016, assisted with the collaboration. Their efforts also helped attract additional partners to further enhance the partnership, including South Dade Kia which will be the presenting sponsor of the field: South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium.

“We have been proud supporters of FIU Athletics because we recognize the significant role that education and sports play in connecting with young people and students,” stated Lucy Benedetti, Executive Vice President/Co-Owner of South Dade Kia Miami & Homestead. “When we found out about FIU Athletics and Pitbull’s outstanding initiative, we immediately wanted to contribute and participate. 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.”

Pitbull has been a longstanding advocate for education. He founded the first SLAM! (Sports Leadership, Arts, and Management) tuition-free public charter school in Miami in 2012. The K-12 schools leverage universal themes such as sports, science, technology, media and more to engage students. SLAM! serves nearly 10,000 students across 14 schools in Florida, Nevada, Georgia, Texas and Arizona. In 2022, SLAM! was 1 of 38 school systems in the world recognized as a System of Distinction for excellence in education by Cognia, a global school improvement and accreditation organization.

Like SLAM!, Pitbull’s influence extends beyond the classroom. His newly formed SELF 1st Foundation will serve as an extension of those efforts to bridge opportunity gaps and foster real, tangible impact in underserved communities. SELF 1st, which stands for ‘Strengthening Education to Level the Field,’ enhances educational access and resources for minority and underserved populations across all levels of education, including college and trade school. The organization seeks to cultivate academic excellence, inspire young minds and create a more equitable society where every individual, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed through the transformative power of education.

For more information about the partnership, visit FIUSports.com/PitbullxFIU.

FIU Athletics, Pitbull announce unprecedented partnership and naming of football stadium (2024)

FAQs

FIU Athletics, Pitbull announce unprecedented partnership and naming of football stadium? ›

Musician Pitbull, a Florida native, signed an agreement with Florida International University (FIU) that includes renaming the stadium after the artist. The deal is for five years, with the option to extend it another five years. Pitbull will have the opportunity to host 10 events per year at Pitbull Stadium

Pitbull Stadium
FIU Stadium (also known under its sponsored name Pitbull Stadium) is a college football and soccer stadium on the campus of Florida International University (FIU) in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, Florida with a Miami mailing address.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › FIU_Stadium
.

Does Fiu have a football team? ›

For more information on FIU Football season and individual tickets, including student ticketing, call 305-FIU-GAME or visit the FIU Athletics Online Ticket Office. Get all the latest information on the team by following @FIU.Football on Instagram and @FIUFootball on Twitter and Facebook.

Where is Fiu Stadium? ›

What conference is Fiu? ›

Has FIU football ever been good? ›

2004 season

FIU became the fastest school in the history of college football to reach the highest level. This has since been eclipsed by multiple schools during the conference movement in 2012.

What sport is FIU known for? ›

The FIU Panthers football team competes in the NCAA FBS Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly known as Division I-A), the highest level in intercollegiate football, and is a member of Conference USA. They are led by head coach Butch Davis and play at Pitbull Stadium on FIU's Westchester campus.

What does FIU stand for? ›

One of the key measures taken by many countries is the establishment of a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). The concept of the FIU started to gain traction in the early 1990s, as the need for an authority to receive, evaluate, and share financial information related to financial crime became apparent.

What town is FIU in? ›

Florida International University (FIU) is a public research university with its main campus in University Park, Florida. Founded in 1965 by the Florida Legislature, the school opened its doors to students in 1972.

What is the acceptance rate at FIU? ›

The acceptance rate at FIU is 63.9%.

This means the school is moderately selective. The school expects you to meet their requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but they're more flexible than other schools. If you exceed their requirements, you have an excellent chance of getting in.

Is FIU a big college? ›

Florida International University is a public institution that was founded in 1972. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 45,442 (fall 2022), and the campus size is 344 acres.

What is FIU known for? ›

A World-class Institution

Offering bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, both on campus and fully online. FIU is worlds ahead in its service to the academic and local community. Designated a Preeminent State Research University, FIU emphasizes research as a major component in the university's mission.

Is FIU a division 1 school? ›

Here, under the South Florida sun, is where more than 400 student athletes compete in 17 Division-I sports, earning 116 All-American honors, appearing in 45 NCAA tournaments and routinely making the Dean's List.

Is FIU a D1 school? ›

The FIU Golden Panthers sports teams compete in the NCAA Division I Conference USA. Graduate students can enroll in the Florida International University College of Law, College of Education, College of Business and more.

What NFL players came from FIU? ›

All Players
PosPlayerNFL Draft (tm/rnd/yr)
OLBAntwan BarnesBaltimore Ravens / 4th / 134th pick / 2007
SSJohnathan CyprienJacksonville Jaguars / 2nd / 33rd pick / 2013
DBAnthony GaitorTampa Bay Buccaneers / 7th / 222nd pick / 2011
WRT.Y. HiltonIndianapolis Colts / 3rd / 92nd pick / 2012
9 more rows

Is FIU in college football 25? ›

FIU is one of the 134 Division-1 (FBS) football teams represented in EA Sports College Football 25. Reportedly the “most-anticipated sports video game ever” (for reasons related, in part, to nostalgia), the current version is the first one produced in more than 10 years.

Do FIU students have to pay for football games? ›

FIU students receive complimentary admission to all FIU Athletics games by simply swiping their Onecard, which for football games is at Gate 6 or Gate 6A. Additionally, FIU students can secure student guest tickets for their friends and family.

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