Houston is a city well known for its industry, economic growth, and prime location. But it’s also home to countless cultural and artistic events that attract both locals and tourists. The city boasts a wide range of venues where stars, comedians, and local performers regularly take the stage. Today, we’ll take a closer look at the history and development of the Toyota Center, a multifunctional indoor arena located in downtown Houston. Read more about it on houstonski.com.
History
The Toyota Center is one of Houston’s most iconic venues, officially opening its doors in 2003. Discussions about building a modern arena had been ongoing since the mid-20th century. The initiative was led by Leslie Alexander, owner of the Houston Rockets, who in 1995 proposed building a new arena to replace the aging Summit. However, the process wasn’t straightforward. In 1999, Houston voters rejected the construction project in a referendum. Two years later, revisions to the agreement were made, and the project was finally approved. Construction began in 2001 and lasted 26 months.
The arena covers an area of about 750,000 square feet. Construction required approximately 35,000 cubic yards of concrete, 3,040 tons of steel, 350,000 concrete blocks, more than 650,000 square feet of drywall, 19,000 square feet of glass, and about 37,000 square feet of landscaping.
One of the unique aspects of the Toyota Center’s design is that it sits about 30 feet below street level. This eliminates the need for fans to climb long staircases. To achieve this, workers dug what became the largest excavation in the city’s history, costing nearly $12 million.
The total project cost was $235 million, with the Houston Rockets contributing $105 million. Before the arena opened, Toyota purchased the naming rights for $100 million over 20 years. The Toyota brand is prominently displayed throughout the venue — from the VIP areas and exterior facades to digital displays and even a car showroom inside the arena. This sponsorship deal is considered one of the largest of its kind in the United States.
Features of the Toyota Center
The Toyota Center is home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets and was once home to the WNBA’s Houston Comets. Beyond sports, it has become one of Houston’s most important cultural venues, hosting world-class concerts, shows, theatrical performances, and cultural events. In its first year alone, the arena welcomed more than 1.5 million visitors.
In 2010, the Toyota Center became the first professional sports venue in Texas to earn LEED Silver certification for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Over the years, it has hosted some of the world’s biggest stars, including Madonna during her MDNA Tour, as well as Ice Cube, $uicideboy$, Ramón Ayala, DRUSKI, Metallica, Foo Fighters, Judas Priest, Ghost, Avenged Sevenfold, and many others. These performances have drawn thousands of fans, all enjoying world-class entertainment in a modern and comfortable setting.
The opening of the Toyota Center had a significant impact on Houston’s development. The arena became a hub of urban life and a magnet for tourism. Following its opening, the surrounding area underwent major improvements, including the renovation of Discovery Green Park, the construction of the Hilton Americas-Houston hotel, and the development of the Houston Pavilions shopping and dining complex.