Introduction to the New Houston Rockets Training Facility

The new Houston Rockets training facility, located on Old Katy Road, is a state-of-the-art complex that exudes an undeniable feeling of possibility. As visitors step inside, they’re greeted by an abundance of natural light streaming in through the windows that surround the perimeter of the building. This is a significant upgrade from the team’s previous space in the Toyota Center, which lacked the warmth and energy that natural light brings.

A New Era for the Houston Rockets

The facility, which is partnered with Memorial Hermann, spans an impressive 75,000 square feet, making it three times larger than the previous space. The $70 million project boasts two practice courts, a significant upgrade from the single court at the Toyota Center. During a recent press conference, Rockets owner Tilman J. Fertitta joked that the cost of the facility was the exact amount he lost by when he bid on the team in 1993. Fertitta ultimately acquired the team in 2017 for $2.2 billion.

Convenient Location

Fertitta emphasized the importance of the facility’s location, which is just 15 minutes from the Toyota Center and 10 minutes north of the Post Oak Hotel, his luxury property that recently earned a coveted Michelin Key. "Most teams build their training centers way out of town," he said. "I didn’t want to do that. I wanted it to be convenient for the players, coaches, and media." This strategic location is designed to make life easier for everyone involved with the team, from players and coaches to media personnel.

Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

The building’s design pays homage to the glory days of Clutch City in the 1990s, with the team’s two world champion trophies proudly displayed in the lobby. The offices are adorned with prints of legends like Clyde Drexler and Elvin Hayes, serving as a reminder of the team’s rich history. Rockets legends Hakeem Olajuwon and Rudy Tomjanovich were on hand for the opening, mingling with Fertitta as he showcased the facility.

Attracting Top Talent

One of the primary goals of the new facility is to make Houston an attractive destination for future players. The locker rooms are double the size of those at Toyota Center, featuring elegant designs that resemble walk-in closets. Visiting teams have a separate locker room, complete with its own entrance, should they need to use the facility. The training areas are a high-tech combination of gym and treatment facility, offering players access to multiple massage rooms, hot tubs, and cold plunge baths. The weight room is calm and quiet, thanks to the use of pneumatic machines that eliminate the clank of barbells.

A Potential Home for the WNBA

After the tour, Fertitta fielded questions from the media, including inquiries about the possibility of the facility hosting a WNBA team. Houston has been without a women’s team since 2008, and Fertitta expressed his desire to bring a team back to the city. "We’ve had some of the greatest players here, but we had an owner who didn’t even live in Houston," he said, referencing his predecessor, Leslie Alexander. "Sometimes, you just have to do something for the community. This city deserves a WNBA team. We need to get it, then we’ll figure out how to make it profitable."

Conclusion

The new Houston Rockets training facility is a world-class complex that is poised to take the team to new heights. With its state-of-the-art amenities, convenient location, and commitment to honoring the team’s rich history, it’s an exciting time to be a part of the Rockets organization. As the team looks to the future, the possibility of bringing a WNBA team to Houston is an intriguing one, and Fertitta’s passion for making it a reality is evident. With this new facility, the Houston Rockets are ready to take on the challenges of the NBA and make their mark on the city’s sports landscape.