Why is Pitbull called ‘Mr. Worldwide,' ‘Mr. 305’? What to know about rapper after Florida university stadium deal
Pitbull Stadium? ?Dale!
Miami-based rapped Pitbull signed a first-of-its-kind deal with Florida International University for the naming rights of its football stadium on August 6.
According to USA TODAY reports, the Panthers' field will be called Pitbull Stadium for at least the next five years. It's the first sports venue in the world named after a musical artist, according to the school. He acknowledged that he didn’t attend FIU, nor did he graduate from high school, but that he has ties to the school through “people that I love dearly.”
“What we’re doing here is groundbreaking. We’re making history. This is history in the making,” the rapper said at a ceremony on the campus Tuesday. “You’re going to see every other university wants to do the same thing. But the difference is we don’t do this for propaganda. We do it from the heart. We do it because it’s meaningful. We do it because I’m from the crib. I’m 305. This is my backyard.”
Who is the man behind the moniker "Pitbull" and how did he get his iconic nicknames? Here's what to know.
See more details on Pitbull, FIU deal: Singer has naming rights to Florida International football stadium
What is the deal Pitbull signed with Florida International University?
Here's what the agreement contains, according to ESPN:
Pitbull pays $1.2 million per year.
Pitbull gets naming rights to FIU football stadium through 2028 (with an option for Pitbull to renew the deal through 2033).
Pitbull's Voli 305 Vodka will be the preferred brand sold at the stadium.
Pitbull will get use of the stadium 10 days per year.
Pitbull gets two reserved suites for each home game.
Pitbull gets the title "Official Entrepreneur of FIU Athletics."
Pitbull will write an anthem for FIU.
Who is Pitbull? Where is Pitbull from?
Rapper Armando Christian Pérez on January 15, 1981, in Miami. His parents immigrated to Florida from Cuba before he was born.
Professionally known as "Pitbull," his first record deal came in 2001 when he signed with the company of Luther Campbell, founder of 2 Live Crew and one of the Miami Hurricanes' most famous boosters. His debut album "M.I.A.M.I." was released in 2004, and he soared to popularity in the 2010s with party anthems "Give Me Everything," "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)," "Don't Stop the Party" and "Timber."
Pitbull has landed hits on both English- and Spanish-language charts, with his album "Dale" winning a Grammy in 2016 for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album. He has also been on several successful tours all over the world, had his music featured at sports arenas and commercials and started several brands.
“For me, it’s about people wanting to use the brand, the Latino and Hispanic culture," He told Vanity Fair in 2016, discussing his reasons for leveraging his stardom as much as he can. "So let’s navigate and maneuver it to create different businesses and portfolios so, eventually, I can have a family [business] like the Bacardis.”
How did Pitbull get his stage name, his iconic nicknames? Story behind 'Mr. 305' and 'Mr. Worldwide'
The Miami rapper is known by many aliases — "Mr. Worldwide," "Mr. 305" and "Lil' Chico." But how did he even get his stage name?
He has gone by the stage name since the beginning of his career in the early 2000's. According to the 2012 biography "Pitbull: Mr Worldwide," he explained why he choose this particular breed to represent him. He was quoted saying he admired the tenacity and grit of the dog.
“(Pitbulls) bite to lock,” the book quotes him as saying. “The dog is too stupid to lose. And they’re outlawed in Dade County (Florida). They’re basically everything that I am. It’s been a constant fight.”
As for his other nicknames, "Mr. 305" is one of the many ways he has highlighted South Florida heritage throughout his career, the moniker highlighting Miami's area code. He soon leveled up to "Mr. Worldwide" to highlight his travels and popularity, first using the name in the song “Vida 23” on the 2010 album Armando.
Lil chico back in the day. Still Miami style 305 till I die #TBT pic.twitter.com/42M2yy060k
— Pitbull (@pitbull) August 24, 2017
As for his least popular nickname, "Lil' Chico," not much is known on how he got the nickname. However, past posts from the rapper make it seem it was a childhood nickname before starting his career.
Where is 'Pitbull Stadium' located?
The stadium is located to the north of Tamiami Park south of the FIU campus in Miami. And yes, it's new name is actually "Pitbull Stadium."
The facility, formerly known as FIU Stadium, has a seating capacity of 20,000 and opened in 1995. FIU athletic director Scott Carr said it’s the first time an athletics venue will be named after a musician.
Contributing: Mark Giannotto, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Pitbull stadium: See $6 million deal with FIU, how rapper got his name