Hockey and more: Hara Arena has a rich sports history

Professional hockey returned to Hara Arena with an exhibition game between the Dayton Gems and Toledo Walleye. Here, the Gems practiced. Photo: Chris Stewart, staff

Professional hockey returned to Hara Arena with an exhibition game between the Dayton Gems and Toledo Walleye. Here, the Gems practiced. Photo: Chris Stewart, staff
Sports
By
July 29, 2016
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Upon learning Hara Arena is closing after more than 50 years, one of the first thoughts was about just how many different events it hosted through the years.

Sports were a big part of the arena’s history, especially minor league hockey.

The Dayton Gems were among the first tenants when the arena opened in 1964. Members of the International Hockey League, they won three championships during their 14-year existence.

GALLERY: Hara Arena through the years

The Gems were the first but far from the last team to call Hara home.

Hockey teams: Gems, Jets, Bombers, Ice Bandits, Gems (second incarnation), Demonz, Demolition.

Basketball: Jets

Indoor football: Skyhawks, Marshalls, Silverbacks, Sharks

Indoor soccer: Dynamo

READ MORE: Unforgettable concerts hosted by Hara

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Marcus Hartman has been a digital sports columnist and reporter at Cox's Ohio newspapers the Dayton Daily News, Springfield News-Sun and Journal-News since 2016.