Eric Boggs 
Recording artist Pitbull purchases the naming rights for the 20,000 seat stadium where FIU plays.
Florida International University (FIU) has taken a unique approach in securing a naming rights sponsor for its football stadium by partnering with renowned musician Pitbull. Over the next five seasons, the stadium will bear the name of the Miami native, who is known as Mr. 305, reflecting the area code of his hometown. The deal, valued at over $1 million per season, marks the first time a sports stadium has been named after a musician.
Pitbull, whose real name is Armando Christian Perez, is a Miami Coral Park High School alumnus and a minority owner in the NASCAR team Trackhouse Racing. He expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “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.”
FIU’s decision to collaborate with Pitbull is seen as a strategic move to garner attention for its football program, which has faced challenges in recent years. The team has been competing at the FBS level since 2004 but has only appeared in five bowl games and has not had a winning season since 2018. While the name change may not directly influence the team’s performance, it is expected to enhance the university’s visibility in the increasingly competitive landscape of college athletics, particularly in the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era.
Pitbull’s involvement extends beyond the stadium’s naming rights. As part of the agreement, he will create an anthem for FIU, promote the university on social media, and participate in an annual athletics fundraising event. Additionally, Pitbull will have access to the stadium for 10 days each year and will see his vodka brand as the preferred beverage distributed within the venue. The deal also includes the option to renew the agreement for an additional five years.
The stadium, which opened in 1995 and has a seating capacity of 20,000, will now be known as Pitbull Stadium. FIU Athletic Director Scott Carr highlighted the significance of this partnership, calling it a “historic day for FIU athletics” and emphasizing that Pitbull’s involvement will amplify the university’s brand.
FIU’s football team, under the leadership of coach Mike MacIntyre, is coming off consecutive 4-8 seasons. The Panthers will debut the newly named Pitbull Stadium on September 7, when they host Central Michigan.
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