HOUSTON – The Houston Rockets and Toyota Center today announced arena and game experience enhancements in advance of the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season.
Toyota Center will debut a new scoreboard this season, showcasing a cutting-edge 6,200 square-foot display that boasts 84 percent more LED surface area than the previous version and measures approximately 34 feet high by 57 feet wide. The scoreboard, which was developed in partnership with technology design and integration leader ANC, features a seamless, curved design that enables content to wrap fluidly around the entire center hung display, creating the effect of one continuous screen. It also features the ability to provide engaging team content, live statistics and team and premier sponsor animations throughout the game.
The new scoreboard includes four underbelly screens creating crystal clear views for courtside and lower bowl seats. Additionally, the game control room has been upgraded from the previous area on the event level to the upper bowl of the arena. This move provides the Rockets production crew with a first-hand view of the scoreboard allowing them to help take the fan experience to the next level.
The state-of-the-art scoreboard features brand-new LED digital lighting elements, new audio speakers and will aid with pregame introductions by incorporating smoke effects via “Rocket Boosters” intended to replicate a rocket launch and create a dynamic environment for fans. The boosters will also be utilized to help celebrate Rockets victories.
Photo: Lottie Spears
The PNC Club, which is located behind the team benches on the east side of Toyota Center, now offers fans an enhanced experience with a chic interior design. Guests will enjoy elevated food and beverage selections, a luxurious new look, as well as more convenient access. Fans will be able to enter the renovated PNC Club via tunnels in sections 119 and 121 with the tunnels allowing for easier access for guests of Toyota Center.
With prime positioning near the Rockets player tunnel, the Golden Nugget Club and Lexus Lounge remain as premier locations for upscale hangout spots, offering guests one-of-a-kind opportunities for exclusive and unique player interactions.
In continuation of the Rockets partnership with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and his premium wine and spirits company, Sire Spirits, the Sire Spirits Social Club will remain accessible for the 2024-25 season. Conveniently located on Toyota Center’s lower suite level on the south side of the arena, the Sire Spirits Social Club offers fans a great view of the court with a fine dining experience in a high-end, club-like setting complete with premium cocktail service. Groups can reserve space for individual games, making it ideal for social or corporate functions.
The Rockets are excited to bring back a fan-favorite promotion, in collaboration with Whataburger, to help fans gear up for the fourth quarter. At any home game, if the visiting team misses two consecutive free throws in the final quarter, everyone in attendance at Toyota Center will be rewarded with free Whataburger. This promotion is aimed to add an extra level of engagement for the crowd as they are encouraged to make noise for all trips to the free throw line from opposing players.
Established professional host and reporter Lauren Leal joins the Rockets as the team’s in arena co-host for the 2024-25 season having previously worked with the University of Houston football and basketball teams as well as the Houston Dynamo. Nationally syndicated radio host Kiotti Brown will return to co-host alongside Leal, with PA Announcer Jonathan Sanford and in-arena DJ Palmo also returning to create one of the NBA’s top entertainment experiences. The Clutch City Dancers and Rockets Launch Crew will remain staples at all Rockets home games, captivating fans with their electrifying performances.
Toyota Center is proud to partner again with food and beverage provider Levy for the 2024-25 season. There are more than 20 different concession stands available for fans to try when they visit the Toyota Center. The upgraded portable concession stands feature a new, sleek design and will provide faster service this season. Toyota Center is also adding additional grab-and-go market options this season, located in sections 114, 403 and 413, which will allow fans to purchase their favorite items without missing game action. Newer items available for the 2024-25 season include andouille sausage sandwich with crawfish etouffee, chicken kung pao hot rice wrap, crispy honey buffalo chicken sandwiches and more.
The Rockets updated bag policy permits bags no larger than 4” x 6” x 2", diaper bags and medical bags (subject to search upon entry). Fans who do bring bags larger than the permitted size will be allowed to check bags at the team’s storage lockers outside of the team shop entrance or the Skybridge entrance located on Level 3 of the Tundra Garage. The Rockets have also partnered with KultureCity to create a more accommodating and positive experience for all guests by providing a sensory room located near the Quad D elevator, across from Section 125 on the main concourse. Fans looking to step away and decompress can visit the guest relations booth at Bell Street for access to the sensory room.
To ensure a quicker and more convenient, hassle-free entry process fans can now add tickets to their mobile wallet ahead of time.
The Rockets Team Shop at Toyota Center will offer an expanded collection of swingman and authentic jerseys this season while also continuing to allow fans the ability to customize Icon jerseys on-site. The team’s city jersey will be introduced in November with a unique merchandise experience as an added piece to this season’s campaign. Houston’s new 2024-25 on-court apparel has already debuted in-store and at RocketsShop.com where there is a reimagined shopping experience available now.
Entering the 2024-25 season, the Rockets boast their highest season ticket renewal rate since 2019. Fans eager to catch their first glimpse of this year’s team can attend the “Liftoff Party” on Sunday, Oct. 13, at 11:15 a.m. at Toyota Center, featuring the annual open practice and a special appearance from Hall of Famer Rudy Tomjanovich. All guests must register at Rockets.com.
Tickets to Rockets games at Toyota Center are available at Rockets.com with several ticket package options, including the team’s $25 regular season opening night special package for their game on October 23 against the Hornets.
Photo: Lottie Spears