Think of the roar of the crowd. Think of the squeak of shoes on polished wood. This is the Toyota Center. This arena pulses with Houston’s energy. It is more than just a building. It is a stage for dreams and a home for the Rockets.
Toyota Center stands proudly in downtown Houston. It is named after the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. The arena is a testament to Houston’s love for sports and entertainment. It is located at 1510 Polk Street.
Rockets owner Leslie Alexander wanted a new arena back in 1995. He felt The Summit was outdated. The Summit was the Rockets’ old home. He wanted to break the lease. Chuck Watson, owner of the Aeros, denied his request. Watson wanted control of a new arena too.
A deal for equal control was signed in 1997. Voters rejected the proposal in 1999. Finally, in 2001, the city and Rockets agreed on a deal. The Aeros were excluded. The proposal was accepted.
Construction began in July 2001. The Toyota Center officially opened in October 2003. The total cost was $235 million. Houston paid most of it. The Rockets paid for enhancements. Toyota paid $100 million for the naming rights.
The Rockets played their first game here on October 30, 2003. It was against the Denver Nuggets. Most fans enter through the northwest main entrance. Inside, a massive atrium shows views of the Houston skyline.
The court is 32 feet below street level. Lower-level seats do not require climbing stairs. Toyota Center has the largest lower level in the NBA.
The arena has a seating capacity of over 18000. This includes 2900 club seats and 103 luxury boxes. Fans can visit the Lexus Lounge. They can also visit the Red and White Wine Bistro restaurant.
Toyota Center is not just for basketball. It hosts concerts and other events. Fleetwood Mac played the first event here on October 6 2003. Many famous artists have performed here. Beyonce Prince and Taylor Swift. The Rolling Stones and many more.
The arena has hosted UFC events. It has also hosted WWE events. The Latin Grammy Awards took place here in 2008.
The Toyota Center has a rich history. It faced challenges before it was built. There was a failed referendum in 1999. NBA Commissioner David Stern said the team might relocate.
The city approved the arena in a later vote. The Rockets stressed no new taxes. The arena became a reality.
The Toyota Center has luxury suites. It has premium seating options. It features advanced audio-visual technology. The arena has received awards for its design. It is a premier arena in the United States.
The arena’s design includes a massive video scoreboard. It also features a state-of-the-art audio system. Wi-Fi is available throughout the arena. This allows high-speed internet access.
The Toyota Center has hosted many memorable games. It has hosted unforgettable concerts. It is a symbol of Houston’s spirit. So next time you are near Toyota Center take a moment to appreciate all this arena brings to the city.