Official Healthcare Provider
In July 2005, Memorial Hermann Healthcare System reached a multi-year agreement with the NBA's Houston Rockets and AHL's Houston Aeros to serve as the official healthcare provider for both professional teams. The agreement marks Memorial Hermann's first partnership with a major professional sports franchise. The long-term arrangement includes plans for joint grass roots community wellness initiatives and an interactive area named the Memorial Hermann Sky Court located on Toyota Center's upper north concourse, Section 418.
Sports Medicine Institute
The Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute has also been established. The Institute serves the Houston Rockets, Houston Aeros and Memorial Hermann patients from around the world. In addition to orthopedic surgery and sports performance and enhancement research, services include training and conditioning, education, rehabilitation and therapy, radiology, nutritional counseling, sports psychology, and more. The Sports Medicine and Human Performance Institute began operations at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center in fall 2005 and will expand into new facilities in the Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza in December 2006. Ultimately, the Institute will have locations throughout the Memorial Hermann system.
Sky Court
The Memorial Hermann Sky Court features family-friendly interactive stations designed to enhance the game night experience. Attractions in the 4,500 square foot area include:
- Mini version of the Toyota Center basketball court – complete with two basketball goals
- Replica home-and-away locker rooms
- Pop-a-shot and skeeball machines
- Party room
- Mascot-inspired play area
- Design station where fans can create their own posterboard signs
The Memorial Hermann Sky Court welcomes fans 90 minutes prior to tip-off and remains open until the end of halftime.
Team Physician
The Rockets team physician is Thomas O. Clanton, M.D., the co-medical director of sports medicine at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center. He is also professor and chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at The UT Medical School at Houston.
View the mural for the 2008-09 Houston Rockets season at Toyota Center.