Just a year and a half after being entrusted with representing South Dade Kia, The Dealer Marketing Group has been working diligently to secure strategic partnerships that align with their brand. We are thrilled to announce an exciting new sponsorship that is poised to elevate our client to new heights.
It is with great joy that we announce today South Dade Kia Field at the newly named Pitbull Stadium at Florida International University. This groundbreaking 10-year, $12-million agreement will make Pitbull the first-ever artist to hold name rights at an athletics stadium. After months of dedicated work and extensive negotiations, this project is now a reality. This strategic alliance represents a significant milestone for us, showcasing our innovative marketing strengths alongside South Dade Kia’s excellence and commitment.
An essential aspect of this achievement has been our collaboration with Van Wagner College, which has been the external multimedia rights partner for FIU Athletics since 2016. Their efforts have been instrumental for us to secure this transformative sponsorship deal for our esteemed and highly valued client. Thanks to this combined effort, South Dade Kia will proudly sponsor the field, naming it South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium. This partnership not only underscores our dedication to growth and excellence but also promises transformative advancements in our industry.
This historic collaboration will have a profound impact on both the local community and the athletics program at FIU. As South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium will become a vibrant epicenter for a wide range of dynamic events, games and activities, The Dealer Marketing Group team will be there ensuring that all visions and dreams are made reality through our hard work and expert events team. This partnership proudly shows South Dade Kia and Pitbull’s commitment to supporting both education and sports, and highlights a deep dedication to enriching both athletic excellence and educational opportunities.
About The Dealer Marketing Group
We specialize in negotiating and reviewing sponsorship opportunities to ensure your brand stands out. As a dedicated sponsorship agency, we carefully evaluate each opportunity to ensure it aligns with your brand’s values and compliance standards. We help you maximize your sponsorship potential.
From left to right: Director of Athletics Scott Carr, Armando Christian Pérez (Pitbull), FIU President Kenneth A Jessell and Executive Vice President/Co-Owner of South Dade Kia Miami & Homestead Lucy Benedetti.
Source: www.news.fiu.edu
Press Release***
FIU Athletics, Pitbull Announce Unprecedented Partnership And Naming Of Football Stadium
The 305’s University Officially Partners With Mr. 305 To Bring The Panthers Worldwide
Pitbull Makes History With First Ever Artist-Branded Stadium
MIAMI – On Tuesday, Florida International University (FIU) Athletics announced a groundbreaking partnership with international superstar and entrepreneur Armando Christian Pérez, better known as Pitbull.
The 10-year agreement will see FIU Stadium rebranded as Pitbull Stadium, making it the world’s first-ever athletics venue with an artist possessing the naming rights.
Pitbull kicked off his music career in the South Florida rap scene. Since his debut in 2004, he has skyrocketed to global stardom, becoming one of the most successful recording artists worldwide. His hits like “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” and the RIAA Diamond Certified “Give Me Everything” have dominated charts and united fans across the globe.
The unrivaled collaboration includes multi-faceted marketing and promotional opportunities between Pitbull, a Miami native, and FIU – the only public Division-I institution in Miami.
“This partnership with FIU is a true honor and a testament to what we can achieve when we work hard,” said Armando Christian Perez (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?”
When he steps on the stage at Pitbull Stadium, the GRAMMY®-winning artist will be the first entertainer in history to perform in an athletics facility bearing his name.
“Pitbull’s career trajectory mirrors FIU’s ascent as one of the nation’s top public research universities,” said FIU President Kenneth A. Jessell. “Like FIU, he started out very 305 and became worldwide.”
The partnership also marks Pitbull’s participation in FIU football’s Vice Night, featuring Miami-style colors and merchandise, with the Panthers donning their nationally acclaimed Vice uniform. This year’s game – which will feature a new Vice uniform – will take place on Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m. against Sam Houston State and will be broadcast across the country on ESPNU.
“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,” FIU Director of Athletics Scott Carr commented. “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!’”
Van Wagner College, FIU Athletics’ 3rd-party multimedia rights partner since 2016, assisted with the collaboration. Their efforts also helped attract additional partners to further enhance the partnership, including South Dade Kia which will be the presenting sponsor of the field: South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium.
“We have been proud supporters of FIU Athletics because we recognize the significant role that education and sports play in connecting with young people and students,” stated Lucy Benedetti, Executive Vice President/Co-Owner of South Dade Kia Miami & Homestead. “When we found out about FIU Athletics and Pitbull’s outstanding initiative, we immediately wanted to contribute and participate. We are delighted to announce our collaboration, demonstrating our collective commitment to innovation in Miami. Together we will enhance education and athletics, creating a brighter future for our students.”
Pitbull has been a longstanding advocate for education. He founded the first SLAM! (Sports Leadership, Arts, and Management) tuition-free public charter school in Miami in 2012. The K-12 schools leverage universal themes such as sports, science, technology, media and more to engage students. SLAM! serves nearly 10,000 students across 14 schools in Florida, Nevada, Georgia, Texas and Arizona. In 2022, SLAM! was 1 of 38 school systems in the world recognized as a System of Distinction for excellence in education by Cognia, a global school improvement and accreditation organization.
Like SLAM!, Pitbull’s influence extends beyond the classroom. His newly formed SELF 1st Foundation will serve as an extension of those efforts to bridge opportunity gaps and foster real, tangible impact in underserved communities. SELF 1st, which stands for ‘Strengthening Education to Level the Field,’ enhances educational access and resources for minority and underserved populations across all levels of education, including college and trade school. The organization seeks to cultivate academic excellence, inspire young minds and create a more equitable society where every individual, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed through the transformative power of education.
For more information about the partnership, visit FIUSports.com/PitbullxFIU.
ABOUT PITBULL
Armando Christian Pérez, Pitbull, invites disruption on a global scale as a GRAMMY® Award winning independent international superstar, education ambassador, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker. With billions of audio streams, video views, and hundreds of gold and platinum certifications, he has one of the most impressive careers in music history. Pitbull’s signature “EEEEEEEYOOOOOO” grito (yell) is one of the most famous sound trademarks in the music industry. Joining the ranks of fewer than 40 sounds that fall under trademark protection by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Beyond music, Armando has leveraged his business acumen through a diverse portfolio of investments and ventures. He is co-owner of NASCAR racing team Trackhouse and has successfully developed other ventures including his own record label Mr. 305, Inc., and Voli 305 Vodka. Pitbull also launched his own SiriusXM channel dubbed Globalization, featuring DJs dropping worldwide rhythmic hits. He co-founded SLAM! tuition-free public charter schools; recognized as one of the top school networks in the world. Pitbull continues to push boundaries and inspire millions worldwide, marking a profound cultural impact and unique legacy across entertainment, business, education, and beyond.
ABOUT SOUTH DADE KIA
South Dade Kia is a leading automotive dealership with a commitment to uplifting the South Florida community through passion, transparency, and respect. With a rich selection of high-quality vehicles, EV and Hybrid and gas vehicles, they prioritize outstanding customer service. Their empathetic and honest approach strengthens client relationships, and with their continuous dedication to community service, it highlights their core principles, making South Dade Kia more than just a car dealership, it’s a community of professionals dedicated to provide a unique personal experience to gain a customer for life.
ABOUT FIU ATHLETICS
Pro Bowl wide receiver T.Y. Hilton caught touchdowns here. Olympic gold medalist Tayna Lawrence sprinted here. Major League All Star and World Series champion Mike Lowell swung for the fences here. Here, under the South Florida sun, is where more than 400 student athletes compete in 17 Division-I sports, earning 116 All-American honors, appearing in 46 NCAA tournaments and routinely making the Dean’s List.
ABOUT FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Florida International University is a top public university that drives real talent and innovation in Miami and globally. Very high research (R1) activity and high social mobility come together at FIU to uplift and accelerate student success in a global city by focusing in the areas of environment, health and innovation. Today, FIU has two campuses and multiple centers. FIU serves a diverse student body of more than 56,000 and 300,000 Panther alumni. FIU is ranked No. 4 Best Public University by the Wall Street Journal and U.S. News and World Report places dozens of FIU programs among the best in the nation, including international business at No. 2. Washington Monthly Magazine ranks FIU among the top 20 public universities contributing to the public good and Degree Choices places it among the top 10 in the nation for return on investment.
— #PawsUp —
Source: www.news.fiu.edu
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