Hara Arena Historic Dayton Concert And Event Venue Destroyed In 2019

July 6, 2020

In May 2019, a series of tornados struck various parts of Dayton, Ohio. The hardest-hit areas were Trotwood and Harrison Township. One of the largest structures to sustain damage was the Hara Arena concert venue in Trotwood, Ohio. Hara, to many, was the hottest concert and event venue in Dayton for decades. It hosted some of the biggest names in the USA as well as shows like Bill Goodman’s Gun and Knife Show. It sat vacant and destroyed for months while the owners dealt with insurance and permits for redevelopment plans.

As a kid, I went to Hara for many things. Ice Capades, Bill Goodman’s Knife Show, and the home and garden show, just to name a few. I never loved it. It smelled old and was always very outdated. My kind of venue was the Nutter Center. For many though, Hara was home to their very vest concert memories.

Photographing Hara Arena Concert Venue

On June 17th, 2020 I photographed this epic Dayton property legally with permission. I spent 45 minutes roaming around the historic arena as well as the conference and exhibition center. Below are just a few of the history-capturing images I made. This will be the last time I visit Hara Arena before it is demolished and gone forever. Check out my other Dayton commercial photography.