Hand holding a phone
It's easier on the app!

Access your booking on the go.

Toyota Center Bag Policy 2024 - Key Details

An aerial picture of the exterior of the Toyota Center, showing the roof of the venue with the logo and name printed on it

Imagine an arena that can host a variety of sports and entertainment events, and that is so sprawling in size that it takes up six city blocks. As the saying goes "Everything is bigger in Texas" and that's certainly the case with the Toyota Center in Houston, TX. This is an ultra-modern facility that is as impressive on the outside as the inside of the arena. Toyota Center opened in 2003 and seats more than 20,000 fans who are looking to be wowed by a variety of events.

Located at 1510 Polk St, in Houston, Toyota Center is home to the NBA's Houston Rockets, which has proven to be a huge draw for the venue. And just like any other big arena in the country, this one sees its fair share of touring shows and top-billed concerts. If you've never been to a concert at the venue, you're missing out as this one is the perfect set-up. Sure, the arena is big, but seating-wise it feels more intimate than some of the other monster-sized stadiums.

Some of the musicians who have performed in concert at Toyota Center over the years include the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Garth Brooks, Madonna, Rhianna, Coldplay, and Adele. These are some of the biggest names in the industry who are known for putting on spectacular shows.

And if you're going to be visiting Toyota Center for an event, be sure to also include time before or after to explore what Houston has to offer. Located about 240 miles from Dallas, Houston has a personality all its own and goes out of its way to make people feel welcome. Some of the top attractions in Houston include Space Center Houston, the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences, the Houston Zoo, The Museum of Fine Arts, the Children's Museum Houston, The Galleria, and so much more.

Whether you’re visiting the venue to watch basketball, a concert, or some other event, it's important to know the bag policy that is in place at all times. There is a list of items that are strictly prohibited, and because you don't want to be turned away at the gates, this guide will be essential. And if you're wondering what to do with your items that don't adhere to the bag policy, we have you covered with affordable temporary bag storage.

A picture of a hot dog topped with mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise, with the condiment containers in the background

Bag Policy at Toyota Center: What You Need to Know Before You Visit

Toyota Center encourages fans to come to the arena as light as possible in terms of bags. This will speed up entry.

Most events follow the same policy. Bags between 5.5 x 8.5 inches and 14 x 14 x 6 inches, such as small clutches and purses, will need to go through a bag check and with be scanned through additional screening. Bags that are 5.5 x 8.5 inches or smaller will go through a visual inspection process.

Large bags that exceed 14 x 14 x 6 inches won't be allowed in. Backpacks are also prohibited, even if they are clear plastic. This stadium doesn't have a clear bag policy for any bag.

The exceptions are medically necessary items in medical bags and parenting bags. Remember, these bags still need to be smaller than 14 x 14 x 6 inches. If you need more information you can contact the guest services department.

Besides having your bags screened, you will also walk through metal detectors. This is meant to keep your safety, and the other guests safety as a top priority at all arena events.

Worth noting, there are lockers on site that you can rent. These can be found at the Skybridge entrance on level 3 and just outside the Team Shop. The pricing varies, and it is a cashless vendor. These Binbox lockers can fill up quickly, and rather early, so it's not a great idea to rely on this solution.

An picture of the Houston skyline in the distance, with a major road leading into the downtown core

Store Your Bags with Bounce and Make the Most of Your Visit to Toyota Center

What's the best way to ensure you have a great time at the Toyota Center? The answer is simple, store your heavy and oversized luggage and bags with us. If you plan on visiting any of the top attractions listed above, keep in mind they too will likely have strict bag policies in place. So rather than stress about what you'll do with your items at each venue, using our convenient temporary bag storage makes sense.

To get started you'll need to download the Bounce app. After doing so, you'll quickly notice we have multiple partner locations in Houston to choose from, including near the Toyota Center. This helps to make your day much smoother, as you're not going to need to go out of your way to drop off your belongings.

All bookings can be made through our app, and they all include protection of $10,000. This gives you total peace of mind while you're off having a fabulous time in Houston and at the Toyota Center. But it's not just convenience we specialize in, our bag storage is also affordable. Our Houston bag storage starts at $4.10 per bag, per day, and with our 24-hour flat rate fee, you won't have to worry about the game or event running late.

When you book with us you also have access to our support team which is available 24/7. We're here to elevate your experience and ensure that your time at Toyota Center is nothing but fabulous.

A nighttime picture of cars racing by on the highway that sits on the outskirts of Houston, the skyline is lit up and visible in the distance

Policies to Keep In Mind When Going to Toyota Center

Besides the bag policy, Toyota Center also has other policies in place that you'll need to be aware of. Here's a closer look.

Outside Food, Drink, and Alcoholic Beverages Aren't Allowed at Toyota Center

The food and beverage policy is easy to follow. There is no outside food or beverages allowed entry. If you want to make a purchase, there are concession stands inside the arena. Once you've passed through the security and metal detector, just make your way to the main concourse. You may spot "premium vendors" in the arena, such as West Clubs and Frost Bank East. These are for premium ticketed guests only.

Visitors will need to have a debit or credit card because this is a cashless stadium.

Camera and Video Recording Rules Differ for Each Event at Toyota Center

The ticketed events at the stadium can be incredibly exciting, so there's a good chance you'll want to take pictures. The camera and video recording policy differs depending on the event taking place. It's best to look at your ticket to see if there is specific information.

Generally speaking, small cameras will be permitted entry. A lens longer than 4 inches in length won't be permitted entry.

All the Typical Items are Prohibited at Toyota Center

A few of the prohibited items that arena staff will take away include laser pointers, backpacks, coolers (soft and hard-sided), fireworks, beach balls, luggage, and empty cans and bottles. Guests should also be aware that there is a re-entry policy. When you leave, you won't be allowed re-entry.

Final Useful Tips When Going to Toyota Center

You have a few good ways of getting to the arena, it just depends on what's most convenient. The arena is located downtown, so there are parking lots around the venue but they get very busy and expensive on event days/nights. Rideshare is another option and there's even an Uber drop-off zone.

If you want to take the bus, the closest stop is Polk St at Avenida De Las Americas.

If you have a ticket to a weekday game at Toyota Center, the gates open one hour prior to game time. Weekend games are one and a half hours prior to game time. That gives you plenty of time to walk through the metal detectors and get to your ticketed seats.

Smoking is prohibited in the arena and this includes vaporizers and e-cigarettes. Outside designated smoking areas can be accessed by Section 117 in the Main Concourse.

Toyota Center offers a few family-friendly amenities and features such as family restrooms, nursing pods, strollers permitted in the concourse areas, baby changing facilities, and more. Parenting bags are permitted as well.

Only service animals are allowed in the Toyota Center.

Count on Bounce to Help Make Your Experience at Toyota Center Amazing

Whether you're a fan of the NBA Houston Rockets, appreciate a great concert, or other traveling tours, you'll want to snag tickets for a show while in town. You'll have an even better time at Toyota Center when you drop off your oversized and prohibited items with us on the way to the venue. This ensures a worry-free time and easy entry into Toyota Center.