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Hara Arena

After 60 Years We Bid Adieu To Hara Arena

July 29, 2016 By Lisa Grigsby

Hara Arena-Logo on Building_3We all knew it was coming, and yet the news still hurts.  Hara Arena will close its doors Aug 27th.

 

The 5,500-seat multi-purpose arena that once was home to Dayton Jets basketball team and Dayton Gems,  Dayton Blue Hawks, Dayton Owls, Dayton Bombers, Dayton Ice Bandits, Dayton Demonz, and Dayton Demolition ice hockey teams  has officially announced it’s closing.

“We are painfully aware of the loss this announcement will generate, which is why we have fought so long and hard to prevent it,” says Karen Wampler, Hara’s marketing director.

The site was originally the family-owned fruit orchard of Harold and Ralph Wampler.The name stems from HA from Harold and RA from Ralph. In 1956, the Wampler Ballroom was erected, which still stands today in the six-building complex. The arena itself opened in 1964. The original plans did not include an ice rink, but were changed to accommodate the Dayton Gems who were looking for a home arena. The complex now spans 165,000 square feet (15,300 m2) which consists of the main arena, four exhibition halls, a conference center, a pub and a golf course.hamvention_2012-3

This arena is where Wayne Gretzky played his first professional hockey game; a pre-season game between the Indianapolis Racers and the Cincinnati Stingers, on September 27, 1978.  Hara was also the home to  Sesame Street Live®, L Monster Truck Winter Nationals®, the Midwest Ceramics Show®, The Miami Valley Home Improvement Show, The National Holiday Gift Show and a host of others.   In May and October of 2004, Hara was twice bestowed the honor of a Presidential visit from President George W. Bush.

Long the home to  The Dayton Hamvention®, we expect an announcement from them shortly. This annual convention brought thousands of visitors to the Miami Valley each year.  Hamvention organizers shared that it brought an economic impact at somewhere between $10 and $20 million during the three-day event.

Filed Under: Community, The Featured Articles Tagged With: Hamvention, Hara Arena, Harold Wampler, Ralph Wampler

Bargains for Everyone at the Dayton Metro Library Spring Booksale

March 20, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Dayton Metro LibraryDayton Metro Library’s Big Spring Booksale! The sale takes place April 4-6 at Hara Arena’s East Hall, 1001 Shiloh Springs Road.  Sale hours on Friday are 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. while supplies last.  Admission and parking are free.

There are thousands of books for children and adults, plus CDs, DVDs, audiocassettes, videos and more, all at bargain basement prices.  All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Library, which in turn supports the Dayton Metro Library with sponsorship of the summer reading clubs, The Big Read and other vital financial assistance.

“Shoppers should stop by the special collection area at the sale,” said Chris Corba, booksale coordinator for the Friends.  “We’ll have an assortment of books pulled from the library’s local history collection available for purchase. There will also be some used library furniture available as well.  These items will be individually priced.”

If you need more information about the booksale, please contact the library’s Community and External Relations office at 496-8901.

 

ABOUT DAYTON METRO LIBRARY

 The Dayton Metro Library is one of the oldest and largest public library systems in Ohio, consistently ranking among the best in the nation.  The DML consists of 20 branch locations in Montgomery County, Outreach Services and the Main Library in downtown Dayton.  In order to fulfill its mission to inform, inspire and enrich the community, the DML offers programs, materials and services for all ages and stages of life.  It is funded in part by a portion of the state income tax and local levy support. 

 Specialized services and resources are available for schools, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, literacy providers and job seekers.  The library houses a unique collection of local history materials.  Computers are available free of charge for public use and computer instruction is available at many library locations. 

 In November, 2012, Montgomery County voters passed a $187 million bond issue to fund new construction and renovations for the DML.  Highlights of the multi-phase, multi-year project include consolidating branches from 20 to 16, establishing an offsite operations center and completely renovating the Main Library.  When the project is complete in 2017, library users will enjoy modern, efficient facilities providing superior services and technology for the 21st century.  Progress on the project is posted regularly on the DML website at DaytonMetroLibrary.org.

Filed Under: Community Tagged With: Audiocassettes, CDs, dayton metro library, DVDs, Friends of the Library, Hara Arena, Spring Booksale, The Big Read, videos

The Dayton Sharks Professional Indoor Football Team Home Opener

February 14, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

dayton-sharksThe Dayton Sharks Professional Indoor Football Team will Honor The Mobley Family at its Home Opener on Saturday, February 15th @ 7:30pm Vs the Detroit Thunder at Hara Arena. You may remember that Mr. Mobley, a Kettering man, lost his wife, two children and father-in-law to a house fire on December 12th.

The Dayton Sharks are donating 10% of ALL Season Ticket Sales and Box Office Sales from our Home Opener to benefit a college fund for Mr. Mobley’s two surviving children. We are asking the entire City of Dayton and surrounding areas to help us “sell out” Hara Arena in support of this most important cause. With your help, we will present Mr. Mobley with our donation at the end of the game in support of his two surviving children’s education.

In addition, the first 100 Kids under age 12 will have FREE ADMISSION to our home opener! Also, every fan that brings a receipt of any of amount from Walmart, Kroger, McDonald’s, or Dave & Busters will be admitted for only $10. Each fan will also receive $5 in Dayton Sharks Bucks to be redeemed on the purchase of Dayton Sharks Fan Apparel and merchandise. Fans must visit the Frontier Communications booth to pick up their $5 Sharks Bucks.

Filed Under: Community, The Featured Articles Tagged With: Dayton sharks, Hara Arena, The Mobley Family

Silverbacks Season Opener at Hara Arena a Smashing Success

March 8, 2011 By Monica McGee 7 Comments

Dayton SilverbacksThe Dayton Silverbacks where off to a smashing start in their season opener at Hara Arena against the Indianapolis Enforcers, Saturday March 5, 2011. This was also the Silverbacks first game at their new Hara Arena field since moving from Hobart Arena in Troy, OH after three seasons. (see opening game photos here and watch game video at the bottom of this post)

The Dayton Silverbacks are the longest running Professional Indoor Football team in the Midwest and have been a member of the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL) for the past five years.

The fast pace, high impact, arena style football is sure to keep you on your toes and fully engaged with nonstop action from beginning to end.

Dayton Silverbacks Cheerleader - Natasha Yoho

Natasha Yoho

Natasha Yoho, thirteen year veteran cheerleader, is in her first season with the Silverbacks and could not be happier. Natasha stated, “I am very excited to cheer for the Silverbacks. It’s a new team for me and we [Silverbabes] practice seven hours a week to make sure we are bringing lots of energy and smiles to the fans. We love interacting with them and pumping up the crowd for the team.” The Silverbabes sponsored the raffle prizes, halftime games and activities for the Silverbacks for Saturday night’s game.

Jeff Kolaczkowski, President and Owner of Dayton Silverbacks stated, “The move from Troy to Dayton was a positive one, because it moved a lot of the players closer to their families and we expect to draw larger crowds since there will be less of a commute to see them play.”

Jeff added, “Tonight’s crowd turnout was a bit disappointing, but we will be increasing our marketing efforts to change that around. We are still working out some of the kinks with the move, but tonight was a great game, because whenever you win it’s a good game.” The Silverbacks led the Enforcers 50-13 at the half.

Although the Silverbacks maintained a marginal lead throughout the game, they had a quiet second half until late in the fourth quarter with six minutes and fourteen seconds to go in regulation. Wide Receiver, Marcus Fails, scored a touchdown to get the fans standing to their feet and cheering once again.

Dayton Silverbacks Wide Receiver - Daniel Stover

WR Daniel Stover

All five Wide Receivers for the Silverbacks scored at least one touchdown in the game. Kicker Jeff Hubbard opened the second half of the game with a seamless 21 yard field goal, Defensive Back, Chris Respress had two interceptions, and player of the game and Wide Receiver Daniel Stover scored three touchdowns to crush the Enforcers 69-19.

Stover stated, “We have been working hard and it’s real easy to get open with good players. Everything worked out, no one stood out, and there are no weak links in our chain. Our chain is stronger than ever. The common denominator of this team is that we all want to win.”

Silverbacks Wide Receiver, Mike Brown, who sat out in the season opener due to injury added, “This team has made a complete 180 and I can’t wait to get back out there. Our offense put up points bottom line. Our defense held their offense to less than 20 points and that was a complete team effort.”

Brown is hopeful that he will be well enough to play by next home game.

Dayton Silverbacks Coach Shepard

Coach Shepard

Coach Derrick Shepard, who is in his third season with the Silverbacks, is pleased with the win and the energy of the team; however, Shepard believes there is room for improvement from the players. Shepard commented, “Good job to all that put up points, but we all have room for improvement. A whole bunch of little ME’s makes one big team.”

When Shepard was asked what he expected from the Silverbacks this season he stated, “I expect to go all the way. Every coach would love to go all the way. Realistically, I would like them to walk away being a better player. If they become better players, then it was a successful season and I would be happy with that.”

Kevin Bukvik, Marketing and Community Representative for the Silverbacks, speaks to their community outreach efforts off the field by stating, “When I first came on board with the Silverbacks, I did not know if the guy’s egos would be a problem. But when I was first asked by the players when would we be going out to the schools to read to the kids, I realized there was not a whole lot of convincing I had to do. I guess they just get it. They are an awesome group of guys and are so down to earth. I love working with them.”

You can catch the Dayton Silverbacks in action at their next home game at Hara Arena as they square off against the Cincinnati Commandos Saturday April 2nd at 7:30 pm. For more information on how to obtain tickets visit www.silverbacksfootball.com or call 937-425-8050.

Filed Under: Spectator Sports, The Featured Articles Tagged With: arena football, Chris Respress, CIFL, Cincinnati Commandos, Coach Derrick Shepard, Continental Indoor Football League, Daniel Stover, Dayton Silverbacks, Hara Arena, Hobart Arena, Indianapolis Enforcers, Jeff Hubbard, Jeff Kolaczkowski, Kevin Bukvik, Marcus Fails, Mike Brown, Natasha Yoho, Professional Indoor Football, season opener, Silverbabes, sports team, Troy OH

2010 Immersed In Ink Tattoo Festival Photos

October 17, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The 2010 Immersed In Ink Tattoo Festival at Hara Arena was a spirited affair.  Here are some pics from this weekend’s 3-day event that featured some of the area’s hottest tattoo artists.

WARNING:  Some photos are of an adult nature and many display images of extreme body modification.

[album: http://www.daytonmostmetro.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/2010 Immersed In Ink Tattoo Festival/]


Filed Under: Community Tagged With: Hara Arena, immersed in ink, tattoo festival

Tattooed Babes, Graffiti and Other Crazy Stuff

October 11, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Normally you’d have to consume a week’s worth of reality television to experience the dizzying array of human spectacle planned for the Immersed In Ink tattoo and alternative art festival coming to Dayton this weekend.  If the thought of 3 days of circus sideshows, roller derby girls, midget wrestling, human suspension and live tattooing gets your motor running, then this convention will have you hittin’ on all cylinders.

The 2010 Immersed In Ink Tour makes a pit stop at Hara Arena, Oct. 15-17 with a full schedule of spectacular events.  The convention showcases artists from all over the world and Dayton’s hottest inkers will  be there to showcase their skill with the drill!  Modified Skin, of Dayton and Lambadi City Tattoos, of Troy are a few of the local shops scheduled for live tattooing at the show.

In addition to the live events, Immersed In Ink Magazine will be covering the show and conducting an Alternative Model Search for all 3 days of the show, with the winner awarded a multiple page photo spread.  Vendors will be on hand selling tattoo supplies and apparel also.  Parking is free.

Peep the schedule below, then go online to buy your tickets.  Tickets will also be available the days of the event, cash only.

Photo courtesy of Immersed In Ink.

Schedule of Events:
Friday:
3PM – Machine Seminar by Brandon Davis and Chris Vargas
6pm – Human Suspension by Aztlan Arts
7pm – Sideshow by Self Inflicted Studios
9pm – Best Ink of the Day

Saturday:

2PM – Musical Chairs by Gem City Roller Derby
3:30 – Sideshow by Stu Modifies and Aztlan Arts
4PM-8PM – Contest Registration
5pm – Human Suspension by Aztlan Arts

6pm-7pm – Circus Sideshow by Pickled Brothers Sideshow
8pm – Contest Judging

9pm – Live Music by Scott Diffee and his 6 String
10pm – Best Ink of the Day

Sunday:

Photo courtesy of Immersed In Ink.

1PM-3pm Contest Registration

2pm – Circus Sideshow by Pickled Brothers Sideshow
3PM – Brandon Davis Traditional Tattooing Seminar
3pm -Contest Judging

5pm – Human Suspension by Aztlan Arts

7pm – Best Ink of the Day

7:30pm -Best of Show

For additional information go to www.immersedinink.com.

Filed Under: Community, The Featured Articles Tagged With: Hara Arena, immersed in ink, josh wiley, lambadi city tattoos, modified skin, tattoos

Thanks to Lefty, the Gems Play Today.

February 12, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

The Dayton Gems pt. 2

The Dayton Gems were originally established in 1964 by local business man Edgar “Lefty” McFadden. Discussing the team of that day may sound an awful lot like describing them today, for many similarities exist between that team and the one that now plays for Dayton. The Gems played then where they play now, at Hara Arena, which also opened its doors for the first time in 1964. The original team also played in the International Hockey League.  The IHL similarly folded (though much later), but has been re-established as a new entity carrying on the same name. Though eventually growing to immense size, the IHL was considered a bus league for mostly Midwestern teams who could easily ride a couple hours to each game, which is again true today. The IHL in its current incarnation was once the Colonial Hockey League, a smaller league that adopted the IHL name in 2007.

Blade warms up the crowd before the game.

Blade warms up the crowd before the game.

It’s a wonder all the similarities that exist between the two, but if it has any bearing on the future of the new franchise, it may bode well for the Gems. In the 1968-69 and 1969-70 seasons, they won back to back championships, and again in 1976. They produced several NHL players in that period as well, and frequently filled Hara to capacity for games, with local fans dazzled. The Gems did eventually fall on hard times, as we all know, and folded in 1980, but exactly thirty years later they play for Dayton again.

In their first year they have proved themselves to be competitive in the league. Struggles are expected as the team learns to play together, but they stand only one spot out of playoff contention, with plenty of games left in the season. With John Marks coaching the team, hopefully for years to come, it seems a very likely possibility. Coach Marks left the ECHL as the winningest coach in the League, with 523 wins, and 3 championships to his name since 1993*. Prior to his time there, he coached in the former IHL, with another 240 wins. Most of coach Marks’ professional hockey career was with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he started as a defenseman but eventually changed over to the left wing position, where he scored 129 goals.

During last Saturday’s tribute to Lefty McFadden, Coach Marks spoke in front of a crowd about his own experiences in the NHL and how he coaches his team. He thanked the loyal supporters in Dayton and those who work so tirelessly for the team before discussing how they are fairing so far. He acknowledged they still have some work to do, and discussed in quite a bit of depth how he likes to train his team, giving those present a crash course in basic hockey strategy. Teamwork, he said, was the key to any team’s success. Discussing some of the Gem’s heartbreaking losses this year, which have frequently been only by a difference of one goal, he explained how a team playing together and playing their role can come out victorious. Later on in the evening he recalled that when he was playing in college, a friend of his, who played basketball, discussed the similarities of the games with him. He said the principles of protecting the net were the same; a good defense will make the opposing team shoot from the perimeter. Likewise a good offense can dissect that defense, get in close and make the shot; but only, he stressed, when working together.

The Gems played good defense in last Saturday's 4-2 win against Port Huron

The Gems played good defense in last Saturday's 4-2 win against Port Huron

The night continued on the ice with a pre-game ceremony that honored Lefty McFadden with a banner that will now hang in Hara Arena, as well as distribution of a plaque and flowers to his family members who were in attendance at the game.  After the Star Spangled Banner, the Gems came out fast against Port Huron in the first period.  They struggled for the first five minutes to keep the Icehawks away from their own net, but Dayton then flashed down the rink and scored two goals in less than one minute.  John Ornelas, with an assist from Preston Briggs and Pierce Norton, fired the first shot past the Port Huron goal tender, and only 19 seconds later, Joe Van Culin slipped another one by with the help of Corey Courturier and Matt Auffrey.  Keeping the aggressive pace going, Mike Olynyk scored yet again, with assists from Preston Briggs and Justin McCutcheon.

Following a late first period goal by Port Huron’s Adam Maccarone, the Gems went into the second period up 3-1.  An increase in penalties as well as no score on either side, showed it was heating up between these teams, and it could be felt in the crowd whose cheers, despite their lack of numbers, echoed loudly throughout the entire arena.  It wasn’t until the third period that things really got interesting though, as Port Huron scored again to bring the game within one goal.  A fight broke out between Matt Auffrey of the Gems and Daniel Tetrault of the Icehawks in the middle of the period, and 28 minutes of penalties were wracked up between both teams in the 3rd as well.

Justin McCutcheon sealed the game however with a late goal that brought the final score to 4-2.  Coming from the Johnstown Chiefs in Pennsylvania, McChutcheon has only been with the team for about a month. He has proven himself a valuable player already, scoring 3 times in the 9 games he’s played with the Gems, including 2 in the difficult loss to the Quad City Mallards last Wednesday. Having a quick word with him, I asked how well he was adjusting to Dayton.  He smiled and laughed a bit, saying he was enjoying it so far but hasn’t had a lot of down time since he’s been here, as their schedule has kept the whole team rather busy.

I embarassingly stutter through some questions with Wingman Justin McCutcheon

I embarassingly stutter through some questions with Wingman Justin McCutcheon

This weekend the Gems will take on the Muskegon Lumberjacks Friday at 7:30pm and also also play the Quad City Mallards again on Sunday at 5:00pm.  The Lumberjacks are first in the league right now, having only lost 10 games all season, but the Gems are responsible for 3 of those losses earlier in the year.  Don’t forget $10.00 adult tickets and $7.00 tickets for children 12 and under, makes for a cheaper night of entertainment than going to the movies, and on Friday nights, beers are only $2.00 a piece.

* information taken from hockeydb.com

**All photographs courtesy of Andrea Ivey.

Filed Under: Spectator Sports Tagged With: Dayton Gems, Hara Arena, hockey, sports

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