Houston's got a game, but they're not just playing on the court. The Houston Rockets are gearing up for an upgrade, busting out the blueprints for a new $70 million practice juggernaut, the Memorial Hermann Houston Rockets Training Center. This massive project, three times the size of their current digs, is set to swing open its doors in summer 2024. Team owner Tilman Fertitta, who's been cooking up this idea since 2017, finally gets to see his vision start to take shape, as reported by the Houston Business Journal.
The Rockets are leaving no stone unturned, promising wow-worthy elements like two full-sized courts, an outdoor training patch and a player lounge that's sure to be the envy of the league. They're not just boosting square footage either; they're going for a full-court press on luxury, according to a statement obtained by the Houston Chronicle. The locker room will feature walk-in closets, and players can chill in a dedicated lounge area, chow down in a dining space, and steam away their stress in an adjacent steam room.
"Most teams don't have a facility of this size that's in the middle of the city, and I think that gives us an edge that other teams don't have," Fertitta said during a press conference at the construction site of the new facility on Dec. 12. His comments echoed his conviction that location is key, and with the new center pinned down at 7310 Old Katy Road, Rockets players will have an easy trek from across town. It's a shrewd move with the players' interests at the forefront—Fertitta's got an eye for the little things that make a big difference.
Coming off tough seasons with the worst three-year record in the league, the Rockets are rebounding big time, according to statements by both Fertitta and Rockets GM Rafael Stone. "It gives us a bit of an edge," Stone told the Houston Chronicle, The facility is expected to court victory with an integrated space for the team and staff, promoting collaboration like never before. Rockets president of basketball operations, Gretchen Sheirr, who showcased the work-in-progress to the media, seems all-in with Fertitta's mantra of a turnaround.
All jokes aside, Fertitta's vision isn't just for the star players. The facility welcomes opposing teams with dedicated space to keep the competition in top shape while on Houston turf. It's part of a broader ambition to boost their winning profile not just with state-of-the-art gear but with a reputation for class, according to statements posted by the Houston Chronicle.
