The TC is not a bad arena I would definitely rate it higher than some of the other arenas I have been to especially US Airways Center where the Suns play. But Staples is still a lot better than the TC despite being older IMO. Just from the way things are placed and how nice things are on the suite level (been inside a TC and a Staples suite and the staples suite level area is better) fan atmosphere - staples is packed but not too loud (for lakers games) emptier but louder this season for clipper games (griffin effect) but i would say its still louder in the 300s sections at staples for lakers games than the uppers for TC for a rockets game (from my experience again of both)
The Rowdies deserve a ton of credit, but I have to chime in on the Power Dancers. I've watched a lot of the comparable dancers over the years from around the league on the tube and maybe I'm being a homer, but I think the Power Dancers are about as good as it gets. Fantastic looking, terrific dancing, and amazing choreography. Whoever is responsible for them deserves a raise. If the team ever gets as good as they are, look out! ;-)-
Been to probably 75% of the NBA arenas, and the neighborhood is actually one of the best. The arena's that are in nicer areas tend to have terrible traffic and congestion. The Toyota Center is certainly one of the nicer arenas and full of potential, but the atmosphere is one of the worst.... but I think that would change if the Rockets became very competitive again.
I've paid zero for parking except for one game all year, because it was a day game. Parking is so easy, I only walk two or three blocks, and I'm already there. The upper and lower is night and day. The highest seat in the lower bowl is great. Wished the scoreboard was HD. Don't think it's HD. Been in the suites a few time. Both upper, lower, and party suites. They're nice.
http://www.nba.com/rockets/dance/RPD__About_Sweet_Susie-220456-822.html Ive still got a pic somewhere if Susie when she was a RPD. Tres hawt.
I've driven past Reliant stadium a few teams and the place looks sweet. It's got a great reputation outside of Houston (at least here in Dallas) as being a great stadium. Nothing is like Jerry World in Dallas though, that is the single best sporting venue IMO. Minute Maid is the best baseball stadium hands down IMO. The Ballpark in Arlington is outstanding but I just love Minute Maid Park. Toyota Center is great for watching the game IMO and the building is nice. When I go to Houston during the season I usually stay at the Hilton right next to the stadium so parking is no issue. I don't think the building itself or the surrounding area is as nice as the AAC in Dallas (Victory Park is really a cool place) but I think the seating in Toyota Center is much better for watching a game than the AAC. I don't see the Toyota Center as being "Posh", like the AAC and the atmosphere outside (although good) is not what it is at the AAC. Also the Rail stops right at the AAC so transportation and parking are no issue at all. But I still prefer the Toyota Center (maybe I'm biased).
Give me the summit any day over the Toyota center.....love the rockets, but if Toyota center really is 2nd best, I feel bad for those 30 cities
The quality of the arena is top-notch, though a little bland and sterile. I realize they hold other shows there, but walking the concourses (at least the first level) it's a little hard to tell you're in the Rockets home. Flash Seating rocks. Wish the Astros had that option. Rowdies are a pretty unique experience for a professional team. I love the team store gameday deals. T-shirts for 10 bucks. Worth it. The food is overpriced (not exclusive to TC I know) and not worth it. Not very many options imo. Comparing to the Summit is night and day though. Aside from the awesomeness of having actual restaurants in the house, the Summit was archaic. It had obstructed view seating and took forever to get in and out of the lot. I do have fond memories of the place, but those memories are based in large part because those were the glory days. Being in downtown it's easy to get in and out, and there are places to go before/after the game within walking distance. The fan argument is so tired it's almost annoying. Outside of a handful of cities, every arena is gonna be empty and quiet if the team sucks, and is gonna be loud as hell if the team is playing well. But I think the organization (besides not giving the die-hards the lower bowl, which will NEVER happen in any arena) tries hard to keep the fans entertained and excited. Clutch is an awesome mascot. Power Dancers. The Sky Court is pretty cool.
I think the atmosphere is pretty good considering that we haven't been relevant since the stadium opened. Ok, we were 1 season....
I think the 5/5 fans score could be due to the Red Rowdies. Not saying I agree with the score but they are loud and do get the job done. Should be a 4.5. Everytime I have gone to Toyota Center, I have had a great experience. But the person who said Oracle is louder for the Warriors is probably right. Those are the only two stadiums I have been to lol.
I used to love being there, until yesterday I went to the Aeros game with some friends and wore a morphsuit (like the green guy fans in the NHL) and halfway through the game they made me take off the part covering my face. I guess I'm just a danger to society. At least now I can cancel my plans to do it at a Rockets game =/
That's odd. They let a guy wear the Turbo suit for every Rockets game. TC is great for the average joe/jane to watch a game. I wished there were dividers for the urinals though.
It is the most generic and boring stadium I have ever been to, absolutely nothing unique, I think its the most expensive stadium in town at least in terms of food and whatnot
everytime im at toyota center it feels like im being institutionalized... there's just a really lame hospital vibe. completely banal and boring. bring back the summit!!!
Beautiful arena, but honestly one of the most boring experiences I've ever had was watching a Rockets game there. Yao was injured (what's new) and the place was SILENT.
I think what may surprise some of the folks who are puzzled by the TC's high ranking is that the many NBA arenas have all of the TC's problems and more.
The parking has never been a problem whenever I went, so that's a huge plus. I just couldn't stand the red color on the court. It's depressing and gloomy.
