RP Funding Building - Lakeland's Heart Of Fun And Gatherings

Welcome to the RP Funding Center, a really important spot for entertainment and community get-togethers right here in Lakeland, serving all of Central Florida. This place, you know, has long been a go-to for so many different kinds of happenings, from big concerts that get everyone on their feet to quiet, important meetings and even joyful wedding celebrations. It’s a building that truly holds a lot of memories for people around here, and it keeps making new ones all the time.

This particular location, a bit like a central meeting point, has seen quite a bit of history unfold within its walls. It's not just a place where events happen; it's a part of the local scene, a spot where people gather for all sorts of reasons. The building, as a matter of fact, brings folks together, whether they are enjoying a show, learning something new at a conference, or simply celebrating life's big moments. It really does offer a wide range of things to do and see, making it a vital part of the community’s social fabric.

What makes this place even more special is the connection it has with RP Funding, a company that has stepped up to help make sure the building continues to serve the community well. This partnership means more than just a name change; it's about making sure the building stays fresh, welcoming, and ready for whatever comes next. We will, in fact, explore the story behind this important building, its various parts, and the kind of experiences you can find there, along with a bit about the company that helps support it.

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Table of Contents

• What's the RP Funding Building All About?
• A Look Inside the RP Funding Building
• How Did the RP Funding Building Get Its Name?
• The RP Funding Building's Journey Through Time
• What Kind of Events Happen at the RP Funding Building?
• Planning Your Event at the RP Funding Building
• What's the Story Behind RP Funding Itself?
• The People Behind the RP Funding Building Support

What's the RP Funding Building All About?

The RP Funding Center, which many people simply call the RP Funding building, is a big, versatile spot in Lakeland, Florida. It's really more than just one thing; it's a collection of spaces all working together to host a huge variety of happenings. Think of it as a community gathering point that can change its shape to fit whatever is going on. It has a convention space for big meetings, an arena for exciting sports or shows, and a theater for live performances. It's a hub for so many different kinds of fun and important events, making it a central part of the area’s social life. You know, it's pretty impressive how much it can handle.

For a while, this particular building was home to the Lakeland Magic, a basketball team that was connected to the Orlando Magic. They played their games right here, bringing lots of excitement to the fans. The Florida Tropics SC, a soccer team, also used the arena for their matches. So, it has a history of being a place where sports fans could come together and cheer on their favorite teams. It’s seen a lot of thrilling moments, actually, with people gathered to watch their local heroes compete.

The building, which first opened its doors way back in 1974, has grown quite a bit over the years. It started with Jenkins Arena, Sikes Hall, and Youkey Theater, but then they added more spaces like an exhibit hall, a box office, a separate administration area, and even an addition near Lake Hunter. These expansions mean the building can handle even more activities and welcome more people. It really is a place that has adapted and expanded to meet the needs of the community over time, always striving to be a better host for everyone.

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A Look Inside the RP Funding Building

Stepping inside the RP Funding building means discovering a world of possibilities, really. You have Jenkins Arena, which is where you might catch a big concert with your favorite band, or maybe a lively sporting event that gets everyone shouting. Then there's Youkey Theater, a lovely spot for live performances, whether it's a play, a comedy show, or a musical act. It offers a more intimate setting, allowing you to truly connect with the performers on stage. It's a place where stories come to life, and where you can experience the magic of live art, which is something special.

Sikes Hall and the Exhibition Hall are where the big gatherings happen. These spaces are perfect for trade shows where businesses show off their new products, or for conventions where people from all over come to share ideas. They can also host large social events, like banquets or community fairs. These areas are quite flexible, allowing for many different setups depending on what's needed. They are, in a way, the workhorses of the building, making sure that large groups can meet comfortably and effectively. The sheer size of these areas means they can hold quite a crowd, making them ideal for significant public gatherings.

The building also has specific spots like the box office, where you can pick up your tickets, and an administration building, which helps keep everything running smoothly. There's even a section added near Lake Hunter, which just goes to show how much thought has gone into making this a complete and welcoming place. All these parts work together to create a seamless experience for visitors and event organizers alike. It's pretty clear that every piece of the RP Funding building has a purpose, contributing to its overall ability to serve the public.

How Did the RP Funding Building Get Its Name?

The name "RP Funding Center" is actually quite recent, dating back to 2017. Before that, this very building was known by a couple of other names. It started out as the Lakeland Civic Center, which sounds pretty official, doesn't it? Then, it became the Lakeland Center. These names, in some respects, reflected its role as a central gathering place for the community. The shift to RP Funding Center marked a new chapter, bringing a fresh identity to a well-loved local spot. It’s a bit like an old friend getting a new nickname, you know?

The change happened because RP Funding decided to become the main sponsor for the building. This kind of partnership is a big deal because it means the company provides support that helps keep the building in great shape and running well. It’s more than just putting a name on a sign; it’s about a commitment to the building's future and its role in the community. This move, really, showed a strong belief in the importance of the center for Lakeland. The decision to take on the title sponsorship was a significant step for both the company and the building itself.

As part of this arrangement, RP Funding, along with a partner called HomeValue.com, promised to help with some important upgrades. They committed to making the outside of the building look better and giving the inside a refresh. This means visitors get a more pleasant experience when they come for an event. Beyond that, they also agreed to help tell more people about the venue through various ways, like on television, radio, in print, and on social media. This kind of promotion helps make sure more people know about all the cool things happening at the RP Funding building, drawing in more visitors and making it a more vibrant spot for everyone.

The RP Funding Building's Journey Through Time

The history of the RP Funding building is a story of continuous growth and adaptation. When it first opened its doors in 1974, it was already a significant addition to Lakeland. It provided a dedicated space for large events that the city probably hadn't had before. Over the years, as the community grew and its needs changed, the building grew right along with it. The additions of the exhibit hall, the new box office, and the administrative area show a clear effort to keep the facility current and capable of handling more diverse activities. It's a living part of the city's story, in a way, evolving as Lakeland itself evolves.

The change from the Lakeland Civic Center to the Lakeland Center, and then to the RP Funding Center, reflects not just new sponsors but also how the building's role in the community has been seen. Each name change, you could say, marked a new phase in its life, bringing fresh energy and new possibilities. It's a testament to the building's enduring value that it continues to be a central spot for entertainment and community events, no matter what it's called. The continuous investment in its upkeep and expansion highlights its ongoing importance to the people who live in and visit Lakeland.

Even when facing challenges, like the storm that damaged it, the RP Funding building has shown its resilience. It was able to recover and continue serving the community, which is pretty remarkable. This ability to bounce back means it remains a reliable place for people to gather, even after tough times. The ongoing efforts to keep it updated and promoted ensure that it stays a vibrant and welcoming place for everyone who walks through its doors. It’s a building that, basically, keeps on giving back to the community.

What Kind of Events Happen at the RP Funding Building?

The RP Funding building is truly a place for all sorts of happenings, which is pretty cool. With more than 100,000 square feet of space for meetings and exhibitions, it's set up to handle a really wide range of gatherings. You might find big meetings where professionals come together to discuss their work, or large conventions where people from a specific industry connect and share ideas. It's also perfect for expos, where different companies or groups can show off their products or services to the public. The sheer size and flexibility of the space mean it can adapt to almost any need, which is very useful.

Beyond the business side of things, the building is a major spot for fun and entertainment. Sporting events, from basketball games to soccer matches, draw in crowds eager to cheer on their teams. Music lovers can catch concerts by popular artists, enjoying live performances in a big, exciting setting. And it's not just for public events; the center is also a wonderful place for social celebrations. Imagine hosting a large wedding reception or a significant anniversary party here. The versatility means it can truly be a part of people's most memorable moments, which is something quite special.

Basically, if you can dream up an event, chances are the RP Funding building can host it. From educational seminars to lively community festivals, the space is designed to be adaptable and welcoming. This wide range of possibilities makes it a constant source of activity and excitement for Lakeland and the surrounding areas. It means there's almost always something interesting going on, providing entertainment and opportunities for connection for everyone in the community. It's a place that really caters to diverse interests and needs, making it a true community asset.

Planning Your Event at the RP Funding Building

If you're thinking about hosting an event at the RP Funding building, you'll find the process is set up to be as easy as possible. They have put together some clear guidelines to help you understand what's involved. These guidelines are there to make sure everything runs smoothly and that your experience, and the experience of your guests, is a good one. It's all about making things user-friendly, so you don't have to worry about the little details. They really want to make sure you feel supported every step of the way.

One of the best things about planning an event here is that you won't be doing it alone. An event manager will be assigned to work with you, which is very helpful. This person is there to answer any questions you might have, no matter how small. If they don't know the answer themselves, they will make sure to connect you with the right person who does. This personalized support means you have a go-to person who understands your event and can help you through the planning process. It's a bit like having a guide for your event journey, making sure you don't get lost.

The goal is to make sure your event at the RP Funding building is a success, and that you have a pleasant time putting it all together. They've thought about the procedures and who to talk to for different aspects, so you can focus on the bigger picture of your gathering. This organized approach helps take some of the stress out of event planning, allowing you to enjoy the process more. It’s pretty clear they value making things simple and straightforward for their clients, ensuring a good experience for everyone involved.

What's the Story Behind RP Funding Itself?

RP Funding, the company that lends its name to the building, has a pretty interesting story of its own. They've made a name for themselves by going against what's typical in the mortgage industry. Their aim is to be one of the best direct mortgage lenders in Florida, and they've grown very quickly to achieve that. This approach, which focuses on being different and better, is part of what makes them stand out. It’s a bit like taking a less traveled path to get to a great destination, you know?

The company opened a branch in Jacksonville in the fall of 2016, and it's staffed by people who are truly dedicated to helping homebuyers. Their daily work involves finding the best deals for people looking to finance a home. This focus on getting good deals for customers is a core part of their way of doing business. It’s this philosophy, which puts the homebuyer first, that has helped them become one of the fastest-growing companies in Florida. They really do seem to care about making homeownership more accessible and affordable for people, which is a pretty good thing.

Robert Palmer, who is the CEO of RP Funding, is personally honored to be the title sponsor of the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. This connection shows a strong commitment from the top of the company to supporting the community and its important institutions. It's not just a business decision; it's also about giving back and being a part of something bigger than just mortgages. This kind of personal involvement, you could say, strengthens the bond between the company and the places it serves, making the sponsorship feel more genuine and meaningful.

The People Behind the RP Funding Building Support

The support RP Funding provides for the building isn't just about money; it's about a shared vision for Lakeland. Their philosophy of going against typical industry standards to help people with home financing also seems to extend to how they support community spaces. It's about making things better and more accessible for everyone. This way of thinking, you know, suggests a broader commitment to the well-being of the communities they operate in, not just through their direct business services but also through their sponsorships.

RP Funding is well-known for offering mortgages with no closing costs for both home purchases and refinancing. This particular offer is designed to make the process of getting a home loan simpler and more affordable for people in Florida. It's a way they try to help people achieve financial stability, which is a big goal for many families. This focus on making homeownership easier connects, in a way, to their support for a building that brings people together and provides a stable place for community activities. It’s all about building strong foundations, whether for a home or for a community gathering place.

The company’s growth and their efforts to help people with home financing are quite clear. For example, in the spring of 2022, they took on 146 homes from another company, Persimmon, showing their increasing presence in the market. This kind of expansion means they are helping even more people secure their living situations. Their commitment to financial stability, both for their customers and for the community assets they support, like the RP Funding building, paints a picture of a company that is deeply invested in the well-being of Florida residents. It really is a broad commitment to helping people build their lives and their communities.

The RP Funding Center, which is what many call the RP Funding building, is truly a central spot for entertainment and community events in Lakeland, Florida. It's a multipurpose complex with an arena, a theater, and a convention space, all working together to host a wide range of activities. The building has a rich history, evolving from the Lakeland Civic Center to its current name through a partnership with RP Funding, a company known for its unique approach to home mortgages. This collaboration means ongoing improvements to the building's look and feel, making it a more welcoming place for everyone. The center is suitable for everything from big concerts and sporting events to important meetings and personal celebrations. RP Funding itself, led by Robert Palmer, focuses on helping people achieve financial stability through their mortgage services, a philosophy that extends to their support for the community hub. The building continues to be a vital part of Lakeland's social life, providing a reliable space for people to gather and create lasting memories.