Hara Arena

The department of health needs to come shut this ice arena down. Our young team played here and I gotta tell you… The mold on the ceilings of the rink was quite concerning. This cannot be healthy for anyone. I cannot believe it’s open to the public.

Lots of great memories here. The live sound was great. I went to so many great shows here. Insane Clown Posse, Pantera, Slayer, Danzig, the Breeders, White Zombie (twice). Those were the days. The days of good rock shows are long gone.
I went to a monster truck show here when I was a kid, that was great. I went to a Dayton bombers hockey game, that was great too.

The T-​Rex show is NOT worth the money. These people should be ashamed of themselves. The money it costs isn’t worth it. The attractions are cool just not worth the money.

Another Hamvention has come and gone.
As nothing changes here, read my earlier reviews; they tell the same story then as they will for this visit. Why write it a third time?
They either are trying to pull a prank on us, or a fast one. Signs saying the old lady is due for a refurbishment.
We’ll see…

I saw a lot of amazing shows at Hara between 1993 –1997 so I will never complain! The last time I drove by there, it looked pretty terrible. Still, I will be really sad when they eventually tear it down, even if I no longer live in Dayton.

So I know this place has a lot of terrible reviews, but Honestly I don’t feel it deserves less than 3 stars. I went here for «The Worlds Toughest Rodeo» and I won’t lie… I was pleasantly surpised with the place. I heard via some people involved in planning it that this was the biggest crowd they’ve had there in quite some time. That being said everything appeared to be in good working order.
I had a few complaints, and these could be easily fixed. Number one is they didn’t take credit cards. They had an ATM which is great, but we have moved beyond paying cash for a soda at the convenience stand. Also, the bar which was opened to «VIP’s» was a cash bar as well. It really isn’t that much of an investment to move to credit… and you might just do more in sales.
The only other problem was just the lack of restrooms. There are 2 each M/​F in the arena (that I saw) and when they announced intermission for the entire stadium (which was probably a bad idea anyways) there was a HUGE rush on them which made it not worth standing in line. Other than that, the parking was $ 8…which could be a lot worse. The lot was pretty easy and we got out in good time. The whole place seemed very clean to me and We had a great time there. For small-​medium conventions this place is great. I would have given 4 or five stars… but the credit and bathrooms just knocks it down. Hopefully this rating brings it up a bit from a 1 Star that it has now because it is better than that.

It is time for the arena to be put out of its misery. The parking lot is falling apart. The place is dusty and dirty. Bathrooms are dirty. Food is just adequate at best. Hallways were unlit in several areas. Several areas would seem to be non-​compliant with ADA standards.
The city and county both collect taxes on accommodations. They need to take that money and build a new conference center.

Old and run down, long past its prime as with the entire area. They have some shows and expos here, but nothing I really like to revisit for…