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.

Hara remains home to many signature events in the Dayton area like Disney On Ice®, The Longhorn Rodeo®, Sesame Street Live®, Silver Sticks Hockey® Tournament, The Dayton Hamvention®, Lanfest®, Monster Truck Winter Nationals®, 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.

We invite you to check out our Specs & Stats to learn more about our unique facility. For directions from any starting point, click here.

Whether you're looking to book an event or attend one, we hope the following pages provide you with the information you need. We look forward to the opportunity to welcome you to Hara!