HP already has a building... in San Jose, CA close to where HP is HQ'd (its called the HP Pavilion, where the SJ Sharks play).
I wonder if the Chinese government will take exception to Yao Ming playing in an arena named by a Japanese company.
They should seriously consider bringing back that contest at halftime where they picked a fan to try and make a half-court shot for a new car. That was some of the most exciting stuff... It would be a nice way to showcase one of the Toyota cars also, just leave it on the end zone type area in the new arena and let 15,000 see it up close and personal and then get excited that they may actually get the chance to own one. That might work for sales, who knows
Probably not since he drives a Sequoia but a well-made point. Not to preach history, but in case you weren't aware, during WWII Japan invaded China and orchestrated mass civilian genocide in numbers that dwarf the European Holocaust. So you can imagine there being some people that haven't forgotten.
Can you angus beefs stop complaining? I totally agree with Tigereye. All we seem to do in this forum is complain and say what we should and shouldn't do. Can we ever trust the Rox an just cut them some slack. I mean dang, yall act like Toyota Center is all that bad. Just face it, we aren't Les or CD, so we might as well let them do thier jobs, and although sometimes they seem like they don't know what they are doing, just cut them a little slack!
You don't get it? It doesn't matter if it is Toyota center, Pizza Hut center or Toy R us center. Any names that the Rocket has chosen, people will always whine about it.
Just wanted to weigh in on a few issues. If any of these were covered in other posts, I apologize... On local Toyota connections... Apparently, the Toyota parts dealership in Houston is, if not the largest, one of the largest in the US. They were heavily involved in the process. On the Center name vs. Fieldhouse, etc... I don't know the exact reasoning behind the name, but my guess is that they wanted to have at least some tie to their previous name. It cannot be a fieldhouse because fieldhouses have a very specific design and it isn't this. A fieldhouse design would not be able to accommodate hockey as well. On the logo looking similar to Toyota... I seriously doubt there was any connection. The logo designs were completed months ago long before they were close to determining who would be the naming rights sponsor. On HP & Saturn... Saturn doesn't have the kind of dough or international reach to compete. Toyota is a huge international corporation. As for HP, they have struggled through a lot of budget issues since acquiring Compaq Center plus they have the building in San Jose already. On Lexus vs. Toyota... Again, this is an issue of reach. Does Lexus reach as far as Toyota does as a brand name? Not a chance. If you live in Asia or Africa, you MIGHT have heard of Lexus, but you definitely have heard of Toyota. It's like the difference between naming your building Coke Center or Seven Up Center. On the money Les will get... No doubt the guy will clean up, but the city will receive five percent of whatever the Rockets get, which is obviously good for us. --------- Personally, I like the name. It is an international company and the ONLY building in the league with an auto manufacturer as a sponsor. Only Ford Field and GM Place share that distinction in all sports. I think it fits perfectly with the team's desire to reach the Asian market now that we have Yao. I also think the ability for the team to cross-promote with Toyota is pretty much unlimited. Most importantly of all, it is a brand that is tremendously recognizable and a company that is extremely stable. Both are very important in the logeivity of sponsorship naming rights for a building. ------ By the way, what is up with the "the logo isn't pretty," "the name isn't classy," "I wish the name were nicer,"??? What is this, a classroom full of seventh grade girls talking about the new girl in class? "Her hair is so messy. Her dress is ugly." Damn, you sound like a bunch of girls.
Off topic Toyota Cars are very reliable! I drive a 2003 Matrix XRS with TRD package, could not be happier! It's clear that we have Yejing beer Toyota Center Yao Ming A chinese looking logo If i was Franchise i would be asking where is the love for me?
I'd rather have named it the Continental Airlines Center or Landry's Arena...NOT THE TOYOTA FIELDHOUSE. The TUNDRA CENTER. NOW THAT'S CATCHY.
err... Do you know that airline bussiness has the hard time lately? They have to lay off thousands of employees. I do not think that they would be interested in naming a sport building. It is all bussiness. The Rocket is lucky to have Toyota as a partner.
Two related thoughts: [1] It's sad that the most exciting things the Rockets organization did this summer was name their arena and adopt a new logo. Let's not be so easily distracted. The Kings, Pacers, Knicks, Timberwolves, Clippers, Heat, Jazz, Nuggets, Lakers, Spurs, Hawks, etc., have all gotten in the free agency game and made serious moves. Meanwhile, the Rockets name their arena and release a new logo and we're distracted from where our focus should really be -- on improving the team. [2] Do you think the Rockets will feel any pressure on how it handles Yao going forward: (a) playing time, (b) offensive scheme, (c) trades, etc.? With Toyota and other Asian marketers banking on Yao's success and presence, will the Rockets be able to make purely "basketball decisions"?
How can you look around this forum and honestly think everyone is being distracted from the free agent signings. there is more b****ing in this forum about that then there is about the naming rights. Jeff...well said. and I agree..I think we did about as good as could be expected. I'm ok with toyota Center.
toyota center really isnt that bad when you compare it to some other places. at least we didnt have some really great old traditional name that got bought out, like comiskey park did. we knew coming in it was gonna be sold to somebody. now if we could only use toyota's money to lower ticket prices....
http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/toyota_center_030724.html Quotes from George Postolos at today's Toyota Center Press Conference: "We challenged ourselves to devise a creative partnership that would go beyond the typical naming rights agreements that are common these days," said Rockets and Comets President and Chief Executive Officer George Postolos. "The 'Tundra Zone' and the vehicle showroom are prime examples of the creativity and innovation that set this partnership apart from others around the country." The "Tundra Zone" will consist of a double-size suite, which will accommodate current and potential Toyota customers. The signature element of the "Tundra Zone" will be the placement of an actual Toyota Tundra in the suite, marking the only in-bowl vehicle display in any arena in the country. Additionally, fans attending events at Toyota Center will have the opportunity to view the latest models of Toyota cars and trucks at the Toyota automobile showroom located in the north section of the main concourse.
