Sponsored Content
Sports

Snag tix to this first-ever match up happening tonight

December 12, 2023 • 
Visit Central Florida
Sponsored by
LAL-Visit Central Flordia Kugel_Riley-12.14.23.jpg

See top scorers — like the Florida Gator’s Riley Kugel — play at their prime tonight.

Photo provided by Visit Central Florida/by Catherine McCarthy

Here’s a first-ever basketball match up you don’t want to miss.

It’s University of Florida vs. East Carolina University as the two teams square off for the Visit Central Florida Tip-Off, happening tonight, Thursday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at the RP Funding Center.

The exciting game pits the top-winning Florida Gators against the standout East Carolina Pirates, who just scored their highest winning season since 2013-14.

Snag tickets ($25-110) + see why this is a game worth attending.

Get tix + peep the schedule

More from LALtoday
Lake Hollingsworth under gray skies and choppy waters during Hurricane Milton, with palm trees swaying and a dock partially submerged.
City
What Lakelanders should know about the 2026 hurricane season
Even with forecasters predicting less activity than normal in the Atlantic this year, here’s how you can start preparing for hurricane season in Lakeland.
April 9, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The Lakeland Flying Tigers mascot, Southpaw, leans against a railing looking out at a baseball field during a game.
Sports
Lakeland Flying Tigers share 2026 promotion schedule
The only thing better than a baseball game is when it comes with extra perks.
April 8, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A vibrant stage performance of "& Juliet" features a diverse cast in colorful costumes under bright purple spotlights.
Culture
Where to catch a Broadway show in Central Florida
See top performers on stage when they stop in Tampa + Orlando on Broadway national tours.
April 7, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial view and three ground-level photos show the Crystal Lake boardwalk in a state of severe disrepair and damage.
City
Updates coming to the Crystal Lake neighborhood
Polk County plans to reconstruct the boardwalk over the lake and add a stoplight at a busy intersection near Southeastern University.
April 7, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Fireworks explode in the night sky over several parked fighter jets at the SUN 'n FUN Aerospace expo.
Events
SUN ‘n FUN is flying back in to Lakeland
This annual festival celebrates all things aviation. Save this guide to admission, activities, and aviation fun.
April 6, 2026
 · 
Staff
A white Starship delivery robot with six wheels sits on a campus sidewalk in front of a modern, ribbed white building.
City
Robots now delivering meals on Florida Polytechnic University’s campus
Students can now order food online, and an AI-powered food delivery robot will bring it directly to their location. Would you like to see this tech in another part of Lakeland?
April 6, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A timelapse photo of the exterior of the Polk Theater at night. The marquee sign is lit with blinking lights, and car lights streak by the front door.
Food
Enjoy dinner and a show around Lakeland this week
Let us plan your nightly entertainment with movies, live music, and stage shows, plus the perfect places to grab a bite.
April 2, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An in-ground water meter painted with a water conservation message
City
What’s new under Polk County’s latest “extreme” water restrictions
In response to a statewide water shortage, the Southwest Florida Water Management District is enacting water restrictions for Polk County and surrounding areas.
April 2, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An architectural rendering of the Barnett Family JA Discovery Center, featuring a modern exterior and an American flag.
City
Barnett Family Discovery Center bringing real-world learning to Lakeland
Polk County Public Schools just broke ground on Junior Achievement’s innovative new Discovery Center where students will get hands-on business experience.
April 1, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A person in black gloves sprays whipped cream onto a blueberry shortcake in a clear plastic container at a festival.
Events
Feast at these food festivals happening near Lakeland
When it comes to hyperspecific food festival themes, Central Florida has the recipe down pat.
March 31, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson