Dale! Pitbull signs deal to have football stadium at Florida International University named after him
The football stadium at Florida International University in Miami will bear the name of "Mr. 305" himself, Pitbull.
The first-generation Cuban American rapper and producer reached a multiyear deal with one of the nation's largest public universities and Hispanic-serving institutions to have its Riccardo Silva Stadium renamed Pitbull Stadium, FIU announced Tuesday.
"This is history in the making," Pitbull said Tuesday during an official announcement, adding that he wants this to be "amazing for the students" and inspiring.
Pitbull, whose real name is Armando Christian Pérez, agreed to donate $1.2 million every year for the next five years with the option to renew the naming rights and sponsorship agreement for an additional five years, according to FIU. As part of the agreement, Pitbull will also be able to host 10 events rent free at the stadium, per year, including concerts.
This is the first time that an athletics venue has been named after a renowned musician, FIU Director of Athletics Scott Carr said Tuesday during the official announcement.
Under the deal, Pitbull will be referred to as the “Official Entrepreneur of FIU Athletics." His efforts to promote FIU and FIU Athletics will include creating an “FIU Anthem,” leveraging his social media presence and appearing at one athletics fundraising event per year for three hours. Voli 305, Pitbull's brand of vodka, will also be the preferred brand sold at the stadium.
In addition to his successful music career, Pitbull has a long history promoting education. His nonprofit foundation SLAM (Sports Leadership Arts and Management) supports over a dozen schools in several states to prepare more students for college.
SLAM supports K-12 schools in underrepresented communities using an innovative curriculum infused with sports, science, technology, media and more to engage and prepare youngsters for college and industry careers. The first school opened in Miami in 2012, and today 14 schools in five states serve nearly 10,000 students.
For more from NBC Latino, sign up for our weekly newsletter.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
