[4] Wampler's Hara Arena was opened with the Dayton Gems ice hockey team hosting an exhibition game against the Toledo Blades on October 27, 1964.

Both of the arena's founders were Shriners, and originally founded the venue after realizing that there was nowhere suitable in the area to hold the Shrine Circus.

[6] The original plans did not include an ice rink but were changed to accommodate the Dayton Gems who were looking for a home arena.

As of 2016, the complex spanned 165,000 square feet (15,300 m2) which includes the main arena, four exhibition halls, a conference center, a pub and a golf course.

"[7] On July 29, 2016, it was announced that the facility would close after hosting a final event on August 27, 2016, due to ongoing financial issues and a 20-year long legal fight over the unresolved estate of founder Harold Wampler.

"[12] In April 2018, YouTube video from a self-described "local explorer" illicitly entering the arena showed disrepair and deteriorating conditions.

The city of Trotwood had made attempts to secure the property, but with limited success, and it was reported to have hundreds of code violations.

He also stated that he had recently secured a grant to conduct a phase 2 environmental study of the site, with the possibility of selling the building to another buyer, which would bring new jobs to the area.

The owners planned to request rezoning from entertainment to commercial in order to attract interest that would aid the facility's cleanup and redevelopment.

However, it was unclear how any such plans might be affected by the increased restrictions and financial difficulties put in place shortly afterwards due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

[1] According to the American Radio Relay League, the 2016 Hamvention had been the 65th held in Dayton and the Hara complex hosted more than 25,000 visitors in that final year.