Hara Arena facts for kids
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Trotwood Dome
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| Location | 1001 Shiloh Springs Road Trotwood, Ohio 45415 |
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| Coordinates | 39°49′16″N 84°15′22″W / 39.82111°N 84.25611°W |
| Capacity | 5,500 permanent seats 1,500 additional festival seats |
| Field size | Ice surface: 195 × 84 ft (59 × 26 m) |
| Surface | Concrete/Ice |
| Construction | |
| Opened | October 27, 1964 |
| Closed | August 27, 2016 |
| Demolished | September 25, 2020 - February 12, 2021 |
| Tenants | |
| Dayton Gems (IHL) (1964–1977, 1979–1980) Dayton Owls (IHL) (1977) Dayton Jets (CnHL/AAHL) (1985–1987) Dayton Dynamo (AISA) (1988–1990) Dayton Bombers (ECHL) (1991–1996) Dayton Ice Bandits (CoHL) (1996–1997) Dayton Sky Hawks (IFL) (1999–2000) Dayton Jets (IBL) (2005) The Marshals (NIFL) (2007) Dayton Gems (IHL/CHL) (2009–2012) Dayton Silverbacks (CIFL) (2011–2012) Dayton Demonz (FHL) (2012–2015) Gem City Rollergirls (WFTDA) (2012–2014) Dayton Sharks (CIFL) (2013–2014) Dayton Demolition (FHL) (2015–2016) |
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Hara Arena was a large building in Trotwood, Ohio, near Dayton, Ohio. It had 5,500 seats and was used for many different events. It started as a dance hall in 1957. Later, a big arena was added in 1964. The whole place grew into a complex with six buildings. Hara Arena closed its doors in August 2016.
Over the years, Hara Arena was home to many sports teams. These included the Dayton Jets basketball team. It also hosted several ice hockey teams like the Dayton Gems, Dayton Bombers, and Dayton Demonz. An indoor football team called the Marshals also played there.
The Story of Hara Arena
The land where Hara Arena stood was once a fruit orchard. It belonged to a family named Wampler. In 1957, Harold and Ralph Wampler opened a new dance hall. They called it Wampler's Ball-Arena. This hall was big enough for 3,000 dancers.
How Hara Arena Got Its Name
The main arena opened on October 27, 1964. The first event was an ice hockey game. The Dayton Gems played against the Toledo Blades. The name "Hara" came from the first two letters of Harold and Ralph's names. The Wampler brothers were part of a group called the Shriners. They built the arena because they needed a place for the Shrine Circus.
What Was Inside Hara Arena?
The original plan did not include an ice rink. But it was added to give the Dayton Gems a home. By 2016, the complex was huge. It had 165,000 square feet. This included the main arena, four exhibition halls, and a conference center. There was also a pub and a golf course. Hara Arena often used the slogan "Nowhere Else But Hara" in its ads.
Why Hara Arena Closed Down
On July 29, 2016, it was announced that Hara Arena would close. The last event was held on August 27, 2016. The closure happened because of money problems. There was also a long legal fight over the founder's estate. The arena was very important to the area. It brought in about $36 million each year.
The closure meant big events, like the annual Dayton Hamvention, needed a new home. The Dayton Demolition ice hockey team also had to stop playing. Before it closed, the arena's parking lot had many potholes. The building had not been updated much since 1975.
What Happened After the Closure?
By March 2018, the property was empty and damaged. People had broken in and vandalized it. In December 2017, a bank took over the property. This was because money was owed to them. Many people had ideas for the land. But it had a lot of unpaid taxes and was complicated to buy.
In April 2018, a video showed the arena in bad shape. The city of Trotwood tried to secure the property. But it was difficult. The building had hundreds of code violations.
A New Owner for the Property
On May 2, 2018, a developer named Michael Heitz bought the property. Heitz buys old properties to fix them up. His first goal was to clean and secure the site. He wanted to get the land ready for new businesses.
In February 2019, some people were arrested. They had broken into the property to steal air conditioning parts.
Tornado Damage and Demolition Plans
On May 27–28, 2019, strong tornadoes hit the area. Hara Arena was badly damaged. Parts of the roof and sides were blown off. Heitz hoped the building could be saved. But if not, it would need to be torn down. He noted that the main arena looked okay. He also had a grant to study the site. This could help sell the building and create new jobs.
By October 2019, it was clear the building could not be saved. The tornado damage was too severe. The owners planned to change the land's zoning. This would help attract new businesses. The damage was estimated at $7.5 million. This was the most damage for any property in the area.
In March 2020, the land was rezoned. Demolition was expected to start soon. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays.
In May 2020, Heitz said a large company was interested in the land. This company could bring at least 50 new jobs. They planned to present their building plans in July. Demolition would start if the plan was approved.
In September 2020, Trotwood officially announced plans to tear down the arena. The land would be rezoned. In November 2020, parts of the arena's famous sign and bricks were auctioned for charity. Heitz had hoped to save the seats. But they were too damaged by mold from the tornado. The demolition of Hara Arena took place from September 2020 to February 2021.
Championship Teams at Hara
Hara Arena was a lucky place for some teams. Several teams won championships while playing there:
- 1968–69 Dayton Gems
- 1969–70 Dayton Gems
- 1975–76 Dayton Gems
- 2013–14 Dayton Demonz
Exciting Events at Hara Arena
Hara Arena was famous for hosting many exciting events.
Professional Wrestling Matches
In the 1960s and 1970s, Hara Arena hosted "Original" Big Time Wrestling. Famous wrestlers like the Sheik and André the Giant performed there. It also hosted events for other wrestling groups. These included Georgia Championship Wrestling and WWF. Later, WCW and ECW also held pay-per-view events at Hara. The arena was known as a "legendary" place for wrestling fans.
Concerts and Conventions
Many types of concerts were held at Hara Arena. Even the famous band Nirvana played there in 1993. Music festivals, trade shows, and conventions also took place. The annual Dayton Hamvention was a very popular event. It brought over 25,000 visitors in 2016. After Hara Arena closed, the Hamvention moved to a new location.
Wayne Gretzky's First Game
A very special moment happened at Hara Arena in 1978. Wayne Gretzky, one of the greatest hockey players ever, played his first professional game there. It was a pre-season game between the Indianapolis Racers and the Cincinnati Stingers.
Memorable Circus Visits
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus also visited Hara Arena. One visit was especially memorable. It was the last stop on their tour.
