On Tuesday, Rockets owner Tilman J. Fertitta and the Fertitta family invited media members to an early preview tour of the team’s new training center, which is scheduled for completion in summer 2024. The facility is located minutes north of The Post Oak Hotel, which is also owned by Fertitta, on Houston’s I-610 West Loop.
Since opening Toyota Center in 2003, the Rockets have trained on a single practice court inside the building. Fertitta, who bought the franchise in October 2017, has stated on multiple occasions a desire to build a new facility with multiple practice courts.
Tuesday’s tour offered a first look as construction approaches the halfway mark of its scheduled 14-month process. The facility’s framework was shown, including locations and layout for dual-courts; locker room, treatment, and conditioning areas; workspace for the front office and coaching staff; and other amenities.
Artist renderings for the final vision were on display. As part of an introductory press conference in April for new head coach Ime Udoka, Fertitta estimated the total cost at $70 million.
“We’re the only team that has their own private 767 [aircraft] to fly around in,” Fertitta said in response to a question about spending. “We’re building a $70-million practice facility, right now.”
Because it remains an active construction site, closed-toed shoes and long pants were required for attendees. Additional personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety gear were distributed on site.
Gretchen Sheirr, president of business operations for the Rockets, guided the tour. Once completed, Fertitta addressed media members and answered questions regarding the facility.
Here’s our roundup of the sights, scenes and what was learned. At 75,000 square feet, the Rockets are tripling the size of their current Toyota Center training infrastructure, according to the team.