HOUSTON — In a press conference Tuesday at the Toyota Center practice court, the Rockets announced an extension and expansion of their existing partnership with the Memorial Hermann Health System.
Tilman Fertitta, owner of the Rockets, and Gretchen Sheirr, president of business operations, were on hand to deliver the news.
After nearly two decades of working together, the groups described the new arrangement as a unique, first-of-its-kind collaboration and branding partnership. Effective July 1, 2022, Memorial Hermann’s entire orthopedics and sports medicine service line will be rebranded to include the team as Memorial Hermann | Rockets Orthopedics.
In addition, Memorial Hermann’s sports medicine institute clinics will be named the Memorial Hermann | Rockets Sports Medicine Institute, and the Memorial Hermann Orthopedic & Spine Hospital will be named the Memorial Hermann | Rockets Orthopedic Hospital.
Houston Rockets owner @TilmanJFertitta talks about their expanded partnership with Memorial Hermann Health System. #ChalkTalk pic.twitter.com/75uWhS3WCz
— Kim Davis (@kimydavis) June 21, 2022
In a press release, Memorial Hermann said it is proud to be the first health system in the country to be able to co-brand its orthopedic programs with a national sports team partner.
“We’re joining forces to offer exceptional, best-in-class orthopedic care, yes — but also to help build a healthier Houston,” said Dr. David Callender, President and CEO of Memorial Hermann Health System. “We are excited to show Greater Houston what we can accomplish by bringing our two exceptional teams together.”
Memorial Hermann and the Rockets first entered into a sponsorship agreement in 2005, making Memorial Hermann the official healthcare provider of the franchise. The two organizations have a long-standing cooperation on community wellness initiatives and beyond.
For over 10 years, the Rockets and Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital have presented the Be Fit Challenge, which encourages and rewards students for healthy nutrition and physical activities. In addition, Memorial Hermann recently provided funding for numerous new breast-feeding stations to be installed in Toyota Center, providing private, tech-savvy breast-feeding and lactation spaces for mothers.
Memorial Hermann is also funding the installation of more baby-changing stations in all men’s and women’s restrooms in the arena.
Rockets POBO Gretchen Sheirr and governor Tilman Fertitta at the announcement of the Memorial Hermann Orthopedics partnership. pic.twitter.com/GYGALkojkq
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) June 21, 2022
Just last month, Memorial Hermann — in partnership with the Rockets and the City of Houston — unveiled two newly refurbished basketball courts at the Moody Community Center. Local children were treated to mini-clinics by Rockets players and coaches and given backpacks filled with items from Children’s Memorial Hermann and the Rockets.
The refurbished basketball courts, one inside and one outside, will provide this northeast Houston community with a quality place for kids and adults to get active and engage with one another through basketball, exercise classes, children’s activities, and more. This collaboration was the first of many planned efforts and initiatives that will improve health and the quality of life for Greater Houston.
“This collaboration with Memorial Hermann is truly an honor for the Rockets organization, and it strengthens our fantastic long-standing partnership while further aligning the commitment we both have to the Houston community,” said Sheirr.
“The world-class service Memorial Hermann has provided to Rockets players over the years is indicative of the care they bring to all patients with unmatched knowledge and passion,” Sheirr concluded.
