• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
The 2024 Best Employers in Sports Award winners have been announced! See the full list of winners

‘Pitbull Stadium’: Rapper Buys College Naming Rights for $6 Million

  • Pitbull grew up right by FIU’s campus. 
  • It’s a five-year deal with the option for an additional five. 
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Mr. Worldwide is headed to Conference USA. 

Pitbull, the international rapper who hails from South Miami, has purchased the naming rights to Florida International’s football stadium in a multiyear deal. Pitbull, whose real name is Armando Pérez, will pay the school $1.2 million annually for the next five years, with the opportunity to re-up for another five. 

The stadium was known as “FIU Stadium” for the last two years between naming-rights deals; from 2017 to 2022 it was named after Italian businessman Ricardo Silva, who had paid almost $4 million to renovate the stadium and got his name attached in the deal. 

The stadium also houses Miami FC, the USL club Silva owns. Silva also co-owns AC Milan, which he purchased a stake in 2022 through RedBird Capital. 

FIU’s board of trustees approved the name change to “Pitbull Stadium” in a vote Tuesday.

Pérez grew up right by FIU’s campus and attended Miami Coral Park Senior High School, just two miles from the university. Aside from Mr. Worldwide, another nickname he has is Mr. 305, an ode to his Miami roots and the city’s main area code. The stadium will reportedly be the first collegiate athletics facility named after a musician. 

As part of the agreement, Pitbull will record an anthem for the school and promote it on social media. His branded vodka will be sold in the stadium, according to ESPN

The Panthers compete in Division I’s FBS and are a relatively young program, founded in 2002. The Panthers have played in five bowl games, winning two.  

Editors’ note: RedBird IMI, of which RedBird Capital Partners is a joint venture partner, is an investor in Front Office Sports.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Bill Belichick

Bill Belichick Is Reportedly Finalizing Deal to Coach North Carolina

Belichick is “finalizing a deal” to become the next head coach at UNC.

NFL Scheduling Gambit Pays Off With Two Blockbuster Sunday Games

The Week 15 schedule has a game pairing seen only once since 1970.
Oct 20, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie pre game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.

Bills, Eagles, Dolphins Approve Adding New Minority Owners

Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady join the list of Bills owners.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion
December 7, 2024

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
Nov 3, 2024; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; New York Red Bulls midfielder Lewis Morgan (9) heads a ball during the first half against the Columbus Crew in a 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One match at Red Bull Arena.

MLS Team to Play in ‘Sports Illustrated Stadium’ in $100M Naming Deal

It’s a partnership with a sister ticketing platform company, not the magazine.
Dec 7, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (13) reacts after the final horn against the Denver Nuggets at Capital One Arena.
December 10, 2024

Capitals, Wizards Owner Monumental Aims to Drive ‘Downtown D.C.’s Comeback’

Monumental Sports, which owns the Wizards, is ready to anchor a D.C. comeback.
December 10, 2024

Manfred Reinforces MLB Interest in Tampa Remaining Rays Home

The commissioner meets with state and county officials to support the Rays.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
December 6, 2024

Las Vegas Doubles Down on Sports With $1.75B Ballpark and NBA Arena

Ballpark and arena projects in the booming sports market receive key approvals.
December 5, 2024

Rays Reversal: St. Pete Approves $287M Stadium Bond Package

The approval gives the embattled project a big dose of resurgent energy.
Jan 3, 2018; Philadelphia, PA, USA; General view as Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) runs across the center court logo during the third quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Wells Fargo Center.
December 4, 2024

76ers Sweeten Arena Deal, Offer More Benefits Despite Fierce Opposition

The NBA team shows an openness to revising a key arena agreement.
December 3, 2024

A’s Vegas Ballpark Cost Rises to $1.75B, but John Fisher Can Afford..

Additional amenities and rising construction costs create a new price tag.