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Toyota Center Guide

NBA · Houston · 18,023 capacity

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Last updated: 3/4/2026

Located in downtown Houston, Toyota Center is accessible via METRORail's Red Line at Bell Station (less than a half-mile walk) and the Green and Purple lines at Convention District Station (about a half-mile walk). Seven METRO bus routes, including the 6, 40, and 137, also stop within walking distance. For those driving, approximately 10,000 public parking spaces are available within a few blocks of the arena.

At a glance

Bag policy
Size-restricted bags
Cashless
Cashless
Re-entry
No re-entry
Gates open
Gates open 1 hr before
Outside food
No outside food
Getting here
Toyota Center is accessible via METRORail.
Family friendly
Family-friendly amenities include baby changing facilities in all public restrooms and family service rooms.
Capacity
18,023
Home team:Houston Rockets

No upcoming multi-sport weekend featuring Toyota Center on the calendar. See Houston home weekends on the city hub →

Where to stay for Toyota Center

Downtown Houston is considered an ideal neighborhood for hotels due to its proximity to the Toyota Center and other attractions.

Downtown Houston

Downtown Houston offers direct access to multiple major sports venues and boasts a vibrant urban atmosphere with numerous dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions. Its central location makes it ideal for a sports weekend, particularly for games at Minute Maid Park and Toyota Center.

The neighborhood has an excellent transit score, served by all METRORail lines (Red, Green, and Purple) and Greenlink buses, offering convenient transportation throughout the city. The Red Line connects directly to NRG Stadium.

EaDo (East Downtown)

EaDo is an up-and-coming, vibrant neighborhood adjacent to Downtown, offering quick access to Minute Maid Park, Toyota Center, and Shell Energy Stadium. It's known for its walkable streets, growing food scene, and numerous breweries.

The neighborhood has good public transportation options, including METRORail access, making it easy to connect to other parts of the city. The Green Line of the METRORail runs through the East End, connecting to downtown.

Midtown

Midtown is centrally located between Downtown and the Museum District, making it a convenient base for exploring various parts of the city. It's known for its vibrant nightlife, diverse dining options, and walkability.

Midtown offers excellent transit access with the METRORail Red Line and numerous bus lines, providing easy connections to Downtown, the Museum District, and NRG Stadium.

Museum District

The Museum District is a generally safe and pleasant neighborhood with tree-lined streets, offering a more tranquil experience while still providing excellent access to sports venues. It's also home to cultural institutions and Hermann Park.

The METRORail Red Line runs through the Museum District, providing direct access to NRG Stadium and Downtown Houston.

See full Houston stay guide →

Arrival and exit strategy

Transit and approach

Toyota Center is accessible via METRORail. The Red Line stops at Bell Station (less than half a mile walk), and the Green and Purple Lines stop at Convention District Station (about half a mile walk). Several METRO bus routes also stop within walking distance, including the 6, 11, 40, 41, 51, 52, and 137 lines.

Rideshare and parking

Rideshare: Designated rideshare pickup and drop-off zones are located along La Branch Street, Lamar Street, and on Bell Street between Jackson and La Branch.

Parking: The Toyota Tundra Garage, located at 1515 Jackson Street, is adjacent to the arena and offers VIP parking for Suite and Club Seat holders with parking passes. It opens 1.5 hours before gates open for events. Approximately 10,000 public parking spaces are available within a few blocks. Pre-purchasing parking is highly recommended. Limited free parking for box office purchases is available curbside on La Branch Street (20 minutes, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.) or in the Toyota Tundra Garage (30 minutes, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.).

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Map context

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The game-day experience

  • Atmosphere area: Toyota Center is located in the heart of downtown Houston. It is also considered part of the EaDo (East Downtown) area and is near the Theater District.
  • Tailgating: Tailgating in the arena parking lots is strictly prohibited.
  • Signature food: Concessions at Toyota Center offer a range of options, including Texas barbecue, various burgers and hot dogs (sometimes themed), loaded baked potatoes, nachos, chicken tenders, pizza, and pretzels.
  • Fan tradition: Local fan traditions include pre-game concerts with a DJ near the main entrance, along with games and activities for fans. The upper concourse features the Sky Court for younger fans with interactive games, and the Rockets Championship Court, which incorporates salvaged elements from the team's championship-winning home court for photo opportunities.

Where to eat and drink nearby

Pregame picks

  • Biggio's Sports Bar
    1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010 · Downtown

    Named after Astros legend Craig Biggio, this multi-level bar offers over 30 screens, upscale bar food, and a lively atmosphere, making it ideal before, during, and after games.

    What to order: Nachos, wings, burgers, cocktails, 20+ beers on tap, brisket macaroni and cheese, or smoked-brisket tacos.

  • Tom's Watch Bar
    1201 Caroline St Suite #161, Houston, TX 77002 · Downtown

    This 'super sports bar' offers an ultimate viewing experience with 360-degree TV viewing, hundreds of screens, an oversized stadium screen, immersive game sound, and complimentary shuttle service to Minute Maid Park.

    What to order: Comfort food favorites, 40oz steins of domestic, imported, or craft beers, and craft cocktails.

  • Christian's Tailgate Midtown
    2000 Bagby St, Houston, TX · Midtown

    An award-winning bar and grill with multiple locations, offering open-air seating, delicious food, excellent game viewing on several TVs, a jukebox, and a pool table. Known for its highly-rated burgers.

    What to order: Their signature burger (nationally recognized), wings, and beer.

Postgame spots

  • Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
    705 Main St, Houston, TX 77002 · Downtown

    Known for its expansive selection of over 200 beers, lively atmosphere, and gastropub food, it's a reliable spot for fans.

    What to order: Any of their 200+ beers, and gastropub favorites.

Late-night options

  • Social Beer Garden HTX
    3101 San Jacinto St, Houston, TX 77004 · Midtown

    Known as Houston's #1 sports bar for 2026, it offers vibrant patio seating, a large outdoor LED screen, and hosts events like UFC fight nights and World Cup watch parties, along with games and local food trucks.

    What to order: Craft beers, cocktails, and food from rotating food trucks.

  • Little Woodrow's Midtown
    2306 Brazos St, Houston, TX 77006 · Midtown

    A Houston favorite known for its packed patios, numerous TVs, famous turtle racing tradition, and a vast selection of over 100 varieties of beer and yard games.

    What to order: Over 100 varieties of beer, craft beers, cocktails, hard seltzers, and classic American bar-and-grill staples like wings and burgers (at some locations).