Toyota Center Game Day Guide
Houston Rockets · Houston, TX
Know Before You Go
Essential details checked against official venue information.
- Bag policy
Permitted bags cannot exceed 10 x 6 x 2 inches; diaper and medical bags are also allowed after inspection.
Applies to: Houston Rockets games
- For Rockets games, guests carrying a bag must use the Jackson Street entrance, Bell Atrium entrance, or the Skybridge entrance for premium ticketholders.
- Bag storage
Paid Binbox lockers for rejected bags are at the Jackson Street entrance and the Skybridge entrance on Level 3 of the Tundra Garage, starting at $10 per bag.
Applies to: Houston Rockets games
- Lockers accept debit, credit, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, but not cash. They open with arena doors, close 60 minutes after the event, and cannot be accessed during the event because re-entry is prohibited.
- Gate opening
Rockets door times vary by game; check the time on the ticket or call Toyota Center at 713-758-7200 before traveling.
Applies to: Houston Rockets games
- Mobile tickets
AXS Mobile ID is Toyota Center's exclusive electronic ticket system, and entry barcodes are displayed in the Houston Rockets or AXS app.
Applies to: Houston Rockets games
- A Guest Experience representative scans the app barcode at entry. Call 713-758-7239 for ticket-access help or 1-877-622-7625 for AXS Mobile ID questions.
- Re-entry
Guests who leave Toyota Center cannot re-enter unless they have an unused ticket.
Applies to: Houston Rockets games
- Prohibited items
Prohibited items include alcohol and illegal drugs, outside food or drinks and containers, backpacks and large bags, weapons and knives, fireworks, lasers, laptops, recording devices and GoPros, selfie sticks, noisemakers, confetti, inflatables, luggage, and detachable phone lights.
Applies to: Houston Rockets games
- Baby seats and carriers are also listed as prohibited. Management may reject other unsafe items, and all guests must complete security screening.
- First aid
First Aid stations are across from Section 123 on the Main Concourse and Section 433 on the Upper Concourse.
Applies to: Houston Rockets games
- Certified EMS personnel attend every arena event. Ask any Toyota Center team member for help.
- Nursing and lactation
Toyota Center has an accessible Mamava pod on the East Main Concourse and another on the Upper Concourse beside Children's Memorial Hermann Sky Court.
Applies to: Houston Rockets games
- The Mamava app provides additional access instructions.
- Family restrooms
Family restrooms are next to public restrooms throughout the Main and Upper Concourses.
Applies to: Houston Rockets games
- Baby-changing facilities are available in every public restroom.
- Tickets for children
Children shorter than 36 inches generally do not need a ticket if they sit on an adult's lap.
Applies to: Houston Rockets games
- Some events use a different rule, so call 713-758-7200 or check the game information before attending.
- Guest services
Guest Experience booths are across from Sections 112 and 125 on the Main Concourse and Section 434 on the Upper Concourse.
Applies to: Houston Rockets games
- For assistance during an event, text TCHELP to 59925. Email guestservices@rocketball.com or call 713-758-7230 for advance questions.
- Service animals
Service animals accompanying guests with disabilities are welcome and must remain leashed or harnessed at all times.
Applies to: Houston Rockets games
- Smoking and vaping
Smoking, vaping, and e-cigarettes are prohibited inside Toyota Center, including premium seating, dining, and entertainment areas.
Applies to: Houston Rockets games
- A designated outdoor smoking area remains accessible from the Main Concourse through doors near Section 117.
Game Day Timeline
What the day looks like at Toyota Center, hour by hour.
Arrive downtown
Park or take METRORail. Explore the EaDo bars and restaurants or walk through Discovery Green park.
Pregame dining
Eat at a downtown or EaDo restaurant, 8th Wonder Brewery, Lucky's Pub, or the Marriott Marquis rooftop.
Doors open
Enter the arena to watch warm-ups. The Rockets team store is near the main entrance.
Find your seat
Settle in. The arena has good sightlines at every level.
Game time
Houston fans are passionate, especially for divisional matchups. Total game time is about 2-2.5 hours.
Halftime break
Hit the concourse, the brisket and Tex-Mex options are excellent.
Post-game scene
EaDo bars stay open late. 8th Wonder Brewery is a popular post-game destination.
Tips & Fan Reports
METRORail is only $1.25 - one of the cheapest transit fares to any NBA arena in the country.
Discovery Green park (across the street) is a nice pregame walk, especially during the holidays when it has an ice rink.
METRORail is only $1.25 and stops right at the arena. Best transit deal in the NBA.
GreenStreet at the Convention Center is a 5-min walk with restaurants that are less crowded than arena concessions.
Discovery Green park is a beautiful pre-game walk, especially on cool evenings.
Houston heat is real, hydrate and dress light for early-season games.
Weather
Toyota Center is indoor, so these are the conditions for the parking lot and the walk in, not the seats.
Across the NBA season the warmest month is October, with an average high of 82°F, and the coldest is January, when the average low is 44°F. October is the wettest month at 5.4 inches and March the driest at 3.8 inches.
That January low ranks 23rd coldest of the 30 NBA venues, and October here ranks 4th wettest.
October
5.4 inchesDecember
4.3 inchesJanuary
4.0 inchesMarch
3.8 inchesApril
5.2 inchesHouston Rockets Clear Bag Policy
Most venues require a clear bag. Get an approved one before you travel.
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How We Checked This Page
Every section below names the source it was read from and the day it was read. Where we could not reach a published figure, the page says so rather than presenting an estimate as a checked fact.
- Game day timeline
Official venue page / team game day guide
- Weather
NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals
- Venue policies
Current Toyota Center A-Z, bag, accessibility, and parking guidance reviewed for Houston Rockets policies.