The Rockets have hired former T’Wolves and Lynx COO Ryan Tanke to the same role, with the hire coming at a “critical time for Toyota Center,” according to Chandler France of the HOUSTON BUSINESS JOURNAL. Tanke takes the role from President of Business Operations Gretchen Sheirr, who had been “serving in both roles concurrently,” and he joins the organization with “substantial experience in arena development.” Tanke was “part of a six-person design team who led” the $150M renovation effort for Target Center. He recently “led another eight-figure investment into the facility, as well, which added and expanded premium spaces, among other upgrades.” The 23-year-old Toyota Center is in need of $635.81M in “maintenance and upgrades over the next 20 years.” Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta is “eyeing a comprehensive modernization of the facility” after having “invested millions into the venue in recent years, including renovating premium spaces and adding a new center-hung scoreboard.” The team also will “replace all of the bowl seats at the venue throughout this fall and spring 2026” (HOUSTON BUSINESS JOURNAL, 6/26).
