FIU Panthers, Pitbull Announce Historic Partnership

© FIU Athletics

In a historic partnership, the global sensation, Armando Christian Pérez, better known as Pitbull, signed a partnership deal with Florida International University. In what is a first of its kind, Pitbull signed a 10-year agreement which will see FIU Stadium rebranded as "Pitbull Stadium" beginning in the 2024 season. The total agreement is worth $12 million for the university.

'Mr. 305'

Pérez began his music career in South Florida in 2004 and has skyrocketed to global stardom. A native of Miami, the partnership with FIU will see an unrivaled collaboration that will see the university and Pérez launch a multi-faceted marketing and promotional campaign.

"This partnership with FIU is a true honor and a testament to what we can achieve when we work hard," Pérez said. "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 are making history together, and we're just getting started. Why dream it when you can live it?"

FIU's Partnership With Pitbull

As part of the agreement, Pérez will pay FIU, $1.2 million annually for the five-year agreement, $6 million total with an option for Pérez to renew the agreement for another five years and $12 million total.

"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," said FIU Director of Athletics Scott Carr. "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."

In the current era of NIL and improving facilities, the additional revenue from this historic partnership will create the opportunity for FIU to improve its athletics facilities and Pérez will also be contributing $50,000 per year to the Blueprint Collective and support FIU's NIL initiatives. Also as part of the agreement, Pérez will create an "anthem" for FIU and FIU Athletics, and participate in FIU's "Vice Night," where the Panthers will wear their alternate "Vice" uniform. This season the game will be played at 7:30 p.m. EST on October 22 against Sam Houston State.

© FIU Athletics

Pitbull Continues to Provide Opportunities

Pérez has long been a staunch advocate for education. This partnership with FIU is an evolution of his advocacy. In Miami, he founded the first SLAM! (Sports, Leadership, Arts, and Management) tuition-free public charter school in 2012. The K-12 schools leverage universal themes such as sports, science, technology, media and more to engage students. Currently, SLAM! schools serve nearly 10,000 students in 14 schools across Florida, Nevada, Georgia, Texas and Arizona. In 2022, SLAM! was one of 38 school systems in the world recognized as a System of Distinction for educational excellence.

© Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

In addition to education, Pérez reaches beyond the classroom. He recently formed the SELF 1st Foundation. The Foundation helps bridge opportunity gaps and foster real tangible impact in underserved communities. Strengthening Education to Level the Field, or SELF 1st, enhances educational access and resources for minorities and underserved populations across all levels of education.

Pitbull, "Mr. 305," "Mr. Worldwide," can we call him "Mr. Trendsetter" now? With him being the first artist to do so, will more follow his lead? While time will tell on that, the 305, FIU Athletics and fans of Pitbull worldwide can enjoy what will be created in this partnership. As well as look forward to the FIU anthem created by Pérez.