MIAMI – When the Panthers take the field at Florida International University this fall for the first time under new head coach Butch Davis, they'll do so at Riccardo Silva Stadium.
FIU announced Monday that the football stadium has been renamed for Silva, co-owner of North American Soccer League team Miami FC, which plays its home games at FIU.
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"When I brought professional soccer to Miami last year, I never dreamed that the Miami FC would be playing in a stadium named after me," Silva said. "It's a huge honor of which I'm very proud and grateful for."
Riccardo Silva Stadium opened in 2008 as FIU Stadium. The playing surface of the 20,000-seat stadium was named Ocean Bank Field in 2014.
Among the new features to the stadium this season is a 1,800-square-feet video board and a state-of-the-art playing surface.
"I want to personally thank Riccardo Silva for his generous gift and his belief in FIU athletics," FIU athletic director Pete Garcia said. "It means a great deal to the department and illustrates the relationship we have built with Riccardo Silva. These are the type of gifts that help achieve our goal towards building world-class facilities for our student-athletes and our community."
FIU president Mark Rosenberg said he was "proud of the partnership" with Silva, calling it a "win-win" for the community.
The Panthers open their home schedule Sept. 9 against Alcorn State.