Toyota Center has been home to the Rockets since it opened in October 2003, and a winter night here is one of the easiest big-league experiences in Houston. The franchise that won back-to-back NBA titles in 1994 and 1995 opens the 2026 to 2027 season at home on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, against the Dallas Mavericks, with Emirates NBA Cup home games against Utah (Nov 13) and Phoenix (Nov 25). The arena sits in the middle of the downtown action, so it is simple to pair a game with dinner on the east side of downtown or a drink at House of Blues. Sections high in the building still have good sightlines, and the crowd gets loud in close fourth quarters.
What to expect
- Bags can be no bigger than 10 x 6 x 2 inches; lockers outside rent from $10 a bag.
- Tickets live in the Rockets or AXS app, and once you leave you can't come back in.
- The arena is cashless; no outside food or drinks, but fountains are on every level.
- The arena's Tundra Garage is pass-only on Rockets game days; use nearby surface lots.
- Polk Street is closed to cars between Chartres and Avenida; allow extra time.
What to do
- Opening Night, Oct 21, 2026, vs. Dallas
- An Emirates NBA Cup game in November
- Dinner downtown before tipoff
- October 6, 2003Arena opened
- About 18,100Basketball capacity
- 1994 and 1995NBA titles
- Oct 21, 2026, vs. Dallas Mavericks2026 to 2027 home opener