International musician Pitbull is set to purchase the naming rights to Florida International’s football stadium.
The program will play at Pitbull Stadium for five years as part of a $6 million agreement per ESPN's Pete Thamel, the FIU board of trustees will vote on Tuesday to finalize a five-year deal that will pay the school $1.2 million annually to rename the stadium to Pitbull Stadium.
Pitbull is from Miami and goes by the nickname “Mr. 305” as a totem to the city’s area code. He frequents South Florida sporting events, including the Daytona 500, he’s the co-owner of NASCAR’s Trackhouse Racing team.
Mr. Worldwide’s vodka company, Voli 305, will be one of the stadium’s preferred brands and he will help promote the school and athletic department, with an “FIU Anthem” as another potential possibility.
The stadium has operated under the Riccardo Silva Stadium title since April of 2017. It was named after Riccardo Silva, businessman and co-owner of USL Championship club Miami FC, for his support given to the Florida International athletic programs. The stadium has a seating capacity of 20,000.
FIU has been playing football in Riccardo Silva Stadium since 2002, has been in the FBS since 2004, has played in five bowl games in school history, and hasn't had a winning season since 2018. The program is coming off back-to-back 4-8 seasons under coach Mike MacIntyre.
The Panthers will host the Central Michigan Chippewas on September 7th for the program’s first game in Pitbull Stadium.