Hara Arena Conference & Exhibition Center

The Hara Complex is as unique as its history. In 1956, Wampler Ballarena (a dance hall) was built as the cornerstone of what is now a 6-building exhibition center. Originally, our location was a thriving, family-owned fruit orchard. Today it is a thriving, family-owned entertainment, conference and exhibition facility. Very few such complexes are privately owned, even fewer are family owned. Hara has survived and prospered by combining the professionalism of one of the areas largest exhibition centers with the care and personal concern of a family business. It is a unique combination that serves our clients and patrons well. Hara was named by founding brothers HArold and RAlph Wampler. The arena, built in 1964, ushered in entertainment to the Dayton area never seen before. The Rolling Stones, Elton John, The Who, Neil Diamond, The Grateful Dead...they’ve all played at our historic facility. Hara has also been the catalyst to successful hockey in the Miami Valley. The Dayton Gems and later, the Dayton Bombers, all enjoyed success while on the Hara ice. The Dayton Gems returned to Hara for the 2009/10 & 2010/2011 seasons. They look forward to returning to the ice for the 2011/12 season beginning in October. Hara remains home to many signature events in the Dayton area like Dayton Gems Professional ice hockey team, Dayton Silverbacks professional indoor football team, The Longhorn Rodeo®, Sesame Street Live®, Silver Sticks Hockey® Tournament, The Dayton Hamvention®, Monster Truck Winter Nationals®, the Miami Valley Business Expo and Showcase of Technology show, the Midwest Ceramics Show®, The Miami Valley Home Improvement Show, The National Holiday Gift Show and a host of others. Our banquet facilities are also a large part of the Hara history and future. Hara operates two full-sized ice sheets and hosts several amateur hockey teams and events. Hara Greens is an 18-hole executive-style walking golf course on the premises. In May and October of 2004, Hara was twice bestowed the honor of a Presidential visit from President George W. Bush.

Photo Gallery

National Holiday Gift Show at Hara Arena

National Holiday Gift Show at Hara Arena