Florida International University (FIU), based in Miami, announced on Tuesday a partnership with Cuban-American singer and entrepreneur Armando Christian Pérez, widely known as Pitbull, to rename its football stadium as Pitbull Stadium.
The name change for the FIU Stadium will last for ten years and represents the first time a stadium has been named after an artist. This agreement is expected to "elevate the profile of FIU Athletics internationally" and link Pitbull with the Panthers team. Additionally, it aims to attract new fans and sponsors due to the "global influence" of the 43-year-old singer, as stated by the academic institution in a press release.
"This partnership with FIU is a true honor and a testament to what we can achieve when we work hard. With determination and a clear vision, everything is possible. We are making history together, and we're just getting started. Daleeee," said Pitbull himself.
The artist emphasized that the stadium name change is not just about the name but 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 beginning. Why dream when you can live it?" the rap star and composer of hits like "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)" and "Give Me Everything" highlighted.
Pitbull has released 12 studio albums and won a Grammy for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album in 2016.
"Pitbull's career reflects the rise of FIU as one of the leading public research universities in the country," said FIU President Kenneth A. Jessell in the press release.
According to Scott Carr, Athletic Director at Florida International University, "This is a historic day for FIU Athletics to uniquely partner with a world-renowned artist and incredible person who values relationships and his community."
Carr mentioned that "Armando's financial support is transforming the program," and his image will amplify FIU and "will be even more beneficial in growing our brand."
Pitbull's Commitment to Education
Pitbull has maintained a close relationship with the educational sector for over a decade. In 2012, he founded the first free public charter school in Miami, SLAM! (Sports Leadership, Arts, and Management). Currently, SLAM! serves nearly 10,000 students across 14 schools located in Florida, Nevada, Georgia, Texas, and Arizona.
In 2022, SLAM! became the first of 38 school systems worldwide recognized as a System of Distinction for excellence in education by Cognia, a global school accreditation organization.
Besides SLAM!, his newly formed SELF 1st Foundation will extend these efforts to "bridge the opportunity gap and foster a real and tangible impact in underserved communities," according to the press release. SELF 1st aims to improve access to educational resources for minority and underserved populations at all educational levels, including college and vocational schools.
Pitbull will kick off a tour across 26 U.S. cities on August 21, performing his greatest hits and offering some "surprises." The tour, named the Party After Dark Tour, will start in Bristow, Virginia, and will conclude on October 5 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pitbull's Partnership with FIU
In light of the recent announcement of Pitbull's partnership with Florida International University to rename their stadium, here are some frequently asked questions to provide more insights into this groundbreaking collaboration.
How long will the FIU Stadium be named Pitbull Stadium?
The Pitbull Stadium name change will last for ten years.
What impact is expected from this partnership?
The partnership aims to elevate the profile of FIU Athletics internationally, attract new fans and sponsors, and inspire the community by showing that with determination, anything is possible.
What is SLAM! and how is Pitbull involved?
SLAM! (Sports Leadership, Arts, and Management) is a free public charter school founded by Pitbull in 2012 in Miami. It serves nearly 10,000 students in various states and was recognized as a System of Distinction by Cognia in 2022.
What is the SELF 1st Foundation?
The SELF 1st Foundation, formed by Pitbull, aims to bridge the opportunity gap and create a real and tangible impact in underserved communities by improving access to educational resources for minority and underserved populations.