chron.com NBA sees All-Star Game in Toyota Center's future A team of NBA officials gave their blessing Wednesday for the Rockets' move to Toyota Center. But they might have offered more than that expected rubber stamp about this season with their findings. After more than three hours inspecting the new arena, league officials said it could be an ideal venue for an All Star Game. The Rockets have made an official bid to host either the 2006 or 2007 All-Star Weekend. "We looked at it for both large events and to complete the regular-season requirements," NBA vice president of events and attractions Peter Fink said. "For either the Finals or All-Star setting, it was well-equipped to handle everything we need. It's nice." Fink visited Houston last season to view some of the facilities related to All-Star Weekend events. Wednesday's inspection was part of the league's increased efforts to make sure every arena meets league standards in a variety of areas before it opens. Rockets officials said the work needed before the preseason home opener Oct. 12 was "minor," including moving a few railings to improve sight lines; finishing the reconfiguring of the team's locker room, coaches offices and practice court; moving some courtside seats; and preparing for games with a large national media contingent. While that work is being done, the first phase of the Rockets' training camp will be held at Westside Tennis Center, with the full-squad workouts in Galveston Oct. 3-6. The first practice at Toyota Center is scheduled for Oct. 11. "We always come in toward the end of the process to check out all the specifications," NBA Senior Director for Basketball Communications Tim Frank said. "We get out to see that things that we require are up to standards. We look at the locker room space, the media room, the dining room, the suites, really everything. "It's great. It's really a terrific building. The lower level is very impressive with the number of seats (about 11,000) down there. It's about as good as any building we have. It's a terrific fan building. The sight lines are great. Houston really did a great job." Asked if the facility would help Houston land an All-Star Weekend, Frank, the former Rockets director of media relations, said, "Absolutely. There is no question a future All-Star Game would be in this building. "It's a terrific setup. The backhouse has terrific space to do the things we need. Top to bottom, it exceeded the specifications on most levels." Though Rockets officials were reasonably certain the arena would meet league requirements, they said there was value in putting the building's smallest details to the test of impartial judges. "It's good to have another set of eyes here with experience and expertise about facilities," Toyota Center general manager Doug Hall said. "To hear that it's in great shape as a basketball facility is the stamp of approval you want. All along we wanted to make sure it was suited to host a large event. But to get that approval is great news."
