Mr. 305 is putting his money where his mouth is. Miami native and outspoken local booster Pitbull made a deal Tuesday to put his name on the 20,000-seat stadium at Florida International University.
Billed as the “world’s first-ever athletics venue with an artist possessing the naming rights,” the deal pays FIU $6 million over what’s being widely reported at five years. A statement from the school , however, says the term is 10 years. “This partnership with FIU is a true honor and a testament to what we can achieve when we work hard,” said Pitbull (née Armando Christian Perez).
“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’re making history together, and we’re just getting started.
Why dream when you can live it?” The deal makes the Grammy winner the “official entrepreneur of FIU athletics.” As such, Pitbull will see his Voli 305 become the preferred vodka sold at games. He will be involved in name, image and likeness branding at the university, including FIU football ’s “Vice Night,” featuring Miami Vice -influenced colors and merchandise for fans and on the team itself.
That game will be nationally broadcast on ESPNU. Pitbull will also create an FIU anthem. Perks for the singer include two suites for up to 40 people and use of the venue for 10 days a year which, for a locally-based ta.