Overview
- The Harris County–Houston Sports Authority, which approved the plan Wednesday, cleared a $180 million “Toyota Center Reimagined” upgrade to refresh the Rockets’ downtown arena.
- Mayor John Whitmire said about $95 million will come from the State of Texas and Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta will cover the rest, with officials stressing there will be no new costs for Houston taxpayers.
- Construction will start after the Rockets’ season with seat replacement already underway, and the team says the project will wrap by fall 2027 while keeping the arena open for events.
- Plans call for a nearly 20,000‑square‑foot glass atrium at Polk and La Branch, renovated suites, new clubs and bars including the Summit Club, Sky Bar and HOU Market, a larger team store, and upgrades to elevators, broadcast fiber and Wi‑Fi.
- Leaders link the renovation to the Houston Comets’ 2027 return and the George R. Brown Convention Center expansion, positioning the arena to land major events such as the 2028 Republican National Convention.