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Memorial Hermann | Houston Rockets Training Center Officially Unveiled
Posted: September 24, 2024 -- 8:26 p.m. CT
Today, the Houston Rockets officially unveiled the Memorial Hermann | Houston Rockets Training Center. Located minutes north of the Post Oak Hotel, the state-of-the-art complex offers 75,000 square feet of space, which is triple the amount of the team's area at Toyota Center.
The MHHR Training Center houses the team's basketball operations and support staff, with both maintaining gameday space at Toyota Center. The Rockets business unit will continue to operate from the arena. The training center will serve as the hub for this season's training camp which begins on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Players have been utilizing the facility for workouts since returning from NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
“This has been a very important project for our franchise,” said Rockets owner Tilman J. Fertitta. “Our commitment is to provide our players, coaches and staff with the best possible experience and opportunities to be successful. The completion of this training center is a significant step towards achieving that goal. When it came to naming rights, Memorial Hermann was a natural choice. They have been a tremendous partner for us, especially in regard to supporting our community initiatives.”
“Over the past two decades, we have enjoyed a wonderful partnership with the Houston Rockets,” said Dr. David L. Callender, President & CEO of Memorial Hermann Health System. “Together, we have contributed to a healthier Houston by creating positive community programs and providing the best in orthopedic care through Memorial Hermann | Houston Rockets Orthopedics. We are excited to expand our partnership with this brand new, state-of-the-art Memorial Hermann | Houston Rockets Training Center.”
The main entrance and lobby showcase both of the team's championship trophies along with a wall of jerseys honoring players with retired numbers. Multiple interactive video displays throughout the area highlight current and former players and features a timeline of significant moments throughout franchise history.
The expansive complex offers players top-of-the-line equipment and amenities, while affording staff increased workspace across the board. The highlight of the training center are dual basketball courts, which allow coaches and development staff the ability to conduct drills with the entire roster in a more efficient manner.
The courts are equipped with a tracking system which automatically evaluates every shot taken, providing feedback on accuracy, depth, deviation and whether the attempt was off the dribble or from a catch and shoot. Cameras were also installed to provide automated video tracking and aid with analyzing practice sessions. A video display near scoreboards can present real-time information or allow coaches to conduct immediate on-court film sessions. Nearby the court is a film and theater room which is outfitted with a giant LED wall and surround sound system.
The strength and conditioning space is four times the size of what is available near the locker room at Toyota Center. The new center also boasts an outdoor training area which includes 40 yards of turf, a speed hill and different height stairs for workouts while the inside space utilizes natural lighting and offers specialized training zones, including a partial court. The facility employs a GPS-infused system which monitors player activity and provides insights to help optimize performance.
The innovative training zone is intertwined with treatment stations in addition to medical examination and recovery rooms. Players will have access to a jet pool along with hot and cold tubs along with a steam room and hydrotherapy space which is 50% larger than what is available at the arena.
Player amenities within the training center include a locker room, lounge area and dining space which is staffed by Landry's appointed chefs who prepare daily meal programs augmented by a team nutritionist. The locker room offers double the square footage of the setup at Toyota Center and features walk-in style closets.
Workspaces for coaches and support staff is double the size of what is used at Toyota Center and is designed for an open and collaborative environment. Front office personnel will be positioned near the coaching and support staff, as opposed to being previously separated by multiple floors at the arena. The conference room, which will function as team's new draft center, has two 98” displays which each can be split into four inputs.
In the event other teams visit the facility, the training center offers a separate entrance with accompanying private spaces, including a treatment room and a full-sized locker room.
The media workspace is adjacent to the main entrance and conveniently near the practice courts. There is also a media studio at the training center for in-house productions and special requests.
“In the short time the training center has been used this summer, we have already felt an immediate impact on our organization,” said Rockets General Manager Rafael Stone. “Tilman and the Fertitta family have done an amazing job in making sure our players and staff were provided with the best tools possible to continue towards our goal of building a championship caliber team.”
“Memorial Hermann | Houston Rockets Training Center is a game-changer for us in terms of productivity,” said Rockets Head Coach Ime Udoka. “On behalf of our players and staff, I'd like to thank the Fertitta Family for all the work they put into making this an invaluable home for our team.”
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