Grammy Award-winning musician Pitbull has purchased the naming rights to Florida International University’s (FIU) American football and soccer stadium in Miami.
The artist will pay $1.2m (£945,000/€1.1m) per year for five years to rename the venue to Pitbull Stadium.
The FIU board of trustees approved the sale to Pitbull, whose real name is Armando Christian Perez and was born in Miami.
“This partnership with FIU is a true honour and a testament to what we can achieve when we work hard,” said Pitbull.
“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?”
An option is included in the deal for Pitbull to renew the agreement for an additional five years.
Pitbull will also create an anthem for FIU, post about the university on social media 12 times a year, and appear at one athletics fundraising event per year throughout the five-year period.
He will get use of the stadium 10 days per year during the agreement and the alcohol company he owns, called Voli Vodka, will be the preferred brand distributed in the 20,000-capacity stadium.
“This is a historic day for FIU Athletics to uniquely partner with a world-renowned artist and amazing person who truly values relationships and his community,” said FIU director of athletics Scott Carr.
“Armando’s financial support is program-changing, but him providing a microphone to amplify FIU will be even more beneficial to growing our brand.
“I couldn’t be more excited about our partnership as this will take us to another level.
“We can now officially say: ‘Paws Up, Dale!’”
Pitbull Stadium is set to see sporting action on September 7 when the FIU Panthers are due to host Central Michigan in American football.
