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Power Rankings: NBA Arenas

By Luke Dahlgren

Apr 9, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General overall view of the Staples Center during a NBA basketball game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General overall view of the Staples Center during a NBA basketball game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; General view of the court during the national anthem before the game between the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors in game four of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs. at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; General view of the court during the national anthem before the game between the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors in game four of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs. at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

#17 – Toyota Center – Houston Rockets

The Name: Serious Question – If the Toyota Center and the Target Center switched names, would anybody notice? Even the corporate logos are similar. Try to remember the team that plays in the Target Center without researching or going back a few slides. Bet you remember who plays in the Smoothie King Center. Yawn. 4/10

The Aesthetics: I’m not a fan of the nearly paint-less court design, just like I’m not a fan of the white-washed Rockets home unis. There’s a difference between simplicity and low-effort, and the Toyota Center comes across as the latter. The look is stark.

The Experience: Despite being right in the city of Houston, the Toyota Center is still a solid ten minute walk from any train station. Fan loyalty is shaky at best, so the arena will rarely be electric. It’s rare to hear anyone have an issue with how comfortable or accessible the seating is for them.

Overview: There’s nothing particularly wrong with the Toyota Center, and yet it doesn’t really have any attractive qualities. Only go if you want to pay to hate James Harden in person.

Next: #16

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