Don’t know about that but if you look closely, the SkyBar has a rooftop outdoor terrace atop the atrium that should be a popular hang out place for the IG selfie social media crowd. Should give some nice views of the Downtown skyline. Cypto recently did the same modification
This arena has been named Toyota Center since its opening in 2003. Toyota is a great partner. This renovation assure keeping Toyota Center for many years to come.
I actually like that atrium over the main entrance. When I'm rolling in, can't be standing outside in the rain, waiting to get in.
Not necessarily. It’s a naming rights deal with Gulf States Toyota. That naming rights deal is expiring soon and may change hands regardless of the renovation. Gulf States Toyota is owned by Dan Friedkin from Houston, who also owns AS Roma, Everton, and is looking to buy a Big 4 league sports franchise in the US. He’s recently bid on the Celtics (lost out to Bill Chisholm) and is currently bidding on the Padres, which he might lose to Warriors owner Joe Lacob. Friedkin is also the rival bidder opposite Tilman for an NHL expansion franchise in Houston.
Does anyone know if there are plans to develop some of the parking lots around TC into hotels, residential with ground floor restaurants/bars, that sort of thing? There's so much space wasted around the arena on surface parking that could instead be combined into one big parking garage. I know in Denver they're re-developing most of the parking around Ball Arena into something like this. It's a great plan and the Rockets should do the same.
From what I understand, the Rockets have discussed an entertainment district south of the George R. Brown Convention Center. The GRB expansion goes south to Bell St., and the area the Rockets would like to develop is essentially south of that - the area bounded by La Branch, Pease, Hamilton and Bell. I have no idea what specifically they are thinking of but most of that area is parking, so if they were to put those parcels together, there's a lot that could be done. I wouldn't be surprised if some of it was mixed-use ground-level retail type of stuff, among other uses - maybe even some hotels/residential. But the most obvious area to do what you're discussing is northwest of the stadium where they are putting the new atrium. Those two lots across from the stadium on the other side of LaBranch are super ripe for mixed-use towers with ground-level retail, especially given the proximity to Discovery Green as well. I'd imagine that would be more developer driven though than anything the Rockets would try to do directly.
LOL so basically a new area where you only get in with a ticket and probably get a more comfortable experience watching from one of those couches with the giant screens in there. And of course prices will go up, didn't Trump say he'd make it more affordable, so the average fans get NOTHING out of this...
I actually think those renders look incredible. I'm looking forward to visiting in the future when I'm over visiting family. I'm sure it'll be pricey af but it's easier to justify when you rarely get to attend in person due to the overseas travel.
What are you saying? People wont be employed building these things/won't work there once completed? So just keep this area the same and let it be stagnant? All major players are upgrading their convention center areas. Houston is keeping up.
