Florida International University (FIU) Athletics has announced an extraordinary partnership with renowned international superstar, Pitbull, also known as Armando Christian Pérez. The groundbreaking 10-year agreement entails the renaming of FIU Stadium as Pitbull Stadium, making it the first-ever athletics venue globally to bear the name of an artist.

Pitbull, who emerged from the South Florida rap scene, has achieved immense success since his debut in 2004. With chart-topping hits like "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)" and "Give Me Everything," he has gained a massive global following. Now, his influence extends to the world of sports.

The collaboration between Pitbull, a Miami native, and FIU, the only public Division-I institution in Miami, includes a range of marketing and promotional opportunities. The aim is to inspire the community, create new prospects, and demonstrate the power of determination and vision. Pitbull expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, "We're making history together, and we're just getting started. Why dream when you can live it?"

When Pitbull takes center stage at Pitbull Stadium, he will become the first entertainer to perform in an athletics facility that bears his name. This milestone cements his status as a transformative figure in the music industry.

FIU President Kenneth A. Jessell applauded the partnership, highlighting the similarities between Pitbull's career trajectory and FIU's rise as a top public research university. He stated, "Like FIU, he started out very 305 and became worldwide."

The collaboration also includes Pitbull's participation in FIU football's Vice Night, incorporating Miami-style colors and merchandise. The Panthers will wear their acclaimed Vice uniform during this year's game on October 22 against Sam Houston State, a match that will be broadcast nationwide on ESPNU.

FIU Athletics' Director of Athletics, Scott Carr, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing the program-changing financial support from Pitbull. He added that Pitbull's amplification of FIU would be even more valuable in propelling their brand to new heights.

Additionally, Pitbull's partnership with FIU attracted other sponsors, such as South Dade Kia, who will be the presenting sponsor of the field, known as South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium. Lucy Benedetti, Executive Vice President/Co-Owner of South Dade Kia Miami & Homestead, emphasized their commitment to innovation and supporting education and athletics.

Pitbull's dedication to education is well-known, as he founded the first SLAM! tuition-free public charter school in Miami in 2012. The SLAM! schools, spanning K-12 education, incorporate sports, science, technology, media, and more to engage students. With 14 schools across Florida, Nevada, Georgia, Texas, and Arizona, SLAM! serves nearly 10,000 students. In 2022, Cognia, a global school improvement and accreditation organization, recognized SLAM! as one of the 38 school systems worldwide with a System of Distinction for excellence in education.

In line with his commitment to education, Pitbull has established the SELF 1st Foundation, an organization that aims to bridge opportunity gaps and create a more equitable society by enhancing educational access and resources for minority and underserved populations. The foundation's mission is to foster academic excellence and inspire young minds at all levels of education, including college and trade school.

The FIU and Pitbull partnership represents an extraordinary collaboration between sports and the entertainment industry. By uniting forces, they aim to inspire, uplift, and create a brighter future for the community. For additional information about this groundbreaking partnership, visit FIUSports.com/PitbullxFIU.