Major overhaul at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland

LAKELAND, Fla. (FOX 13) - At 44 years old, the RP Funding center is middle-aged, and it was beginning to show.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Friday to recognize that it has undergone a major overhaul.

Polk County and the city of Lakeland spent $16 million to update and spruce up the complex.

“I feel like we’re home. It’s wonderful,” said Dara Trujillo, vice president of the Lakeland Magic, the city’s professional basketball team.

“It just so happens the colors match the Lakeland Magic," she said. "I think that could have been intentional."

Along with a fresh coat of paint, they updated the team’s locker room and installed new video boards along with a state-of-the-art sound system.

Meanwhile, at the Youkey Theater, they have put in roomier, more comfortable seats.

The overhaul also included repaving parking lots and updating meeting rooms.

“The bottomline is economic impact,” said Tony Camarillo, the center’s executive director.

The RP Funding Center host 500 events a year. Hopefully, the upgrades will attract even more, especially events that mean money in the pockets of nearby businesses.