announced what could end up being a 10-year deal with international recording artist, Grammy winner and entrepreneur , the Miami native better known as . He will put his name on its on-campus stadium, home of the , which will now be called . will pay $1.
2 million annually for the next five years, the university said, for the naming rights. He will have an option in August 2029 to extend the agreement for another five years and continue the rebranding. "Yes, we're going to create history at ," said during a news conference in Miami.
"This is not just an announcement. It's a movement. It's really a historic event.
" Pitbull, a pioneer in stadium naming said it is the first deal in which an artist owns the naming rights to a stadium. will also participate in 's naming, image and likeness efforts, said athletic director . "This is a historic day for athletics to partner in a unique way with a world-renowned artist and an incredible person who truly values relationships and his community," said.
" 's financial support is a game changer, but having him provide a microphone to amplify will be even more beneficial to the growth of our brand." As part of the agreement, gets the use of the stadium for 10 days a year rent-free, and some tickets for those events will be reserved for students. A vodka brand he owns will be a preferred brand at the stadium in the future, he will receive the use of two suites and 20 VIP parking passes for home soccer games, and he has been asked to create an " Anthem" to be played at the school's athletic competitions.
, also known as "Mr. 305," a nod to Miami's area code, began his music career in the South Florida rap scene around 2004, eventually becoming one of the most recognized artists in the world. " 's career trajectory reflects FIU's rise as one of the nation's top public research universities," said .
"Like , he started out very 305 and grew into a global university." has been a longtime advocate for supporting education in South Florida. said he founded the first free public charter school SLAM! (Leadership, Arts and Sports Management) in Miami in 2012.
"It's about bringing everyone together," he said. "It's about bringing everyone together. .
.. Hard work is what pays off.
They tell me, 'You're so lucky.' Well, the harder I work, the luckier I get.".
