Hockey May Return To Hara

Hockey May Return To Hara
By Bruce Kettelle / TotallyTrotwood.com

Hara Arena sees Monday’s announcement by hockey’s Dayton Bombers as an opportunity to bring the sport back to Trotwood. The Bombers announced that they would not be playing next season, and possibly longer.

The Bombers were not alone. The ECHL also announced that the Mississippi Sea Wolves and the Phoenix Road Runners would not be playing next season.

In published reports owner Costa Papista cited inadequate ticket sales and falling sponsorship revenue. The Bombers moved from Hara to the Nutter Center in 1996 and have averaged 3,600 fans per game the last two seasons.

Costa’s attendance claim however may be exaggerated. Actual paid attendance has averaged closer to 1,800 according to officials at the Nutter.

“The last year at Hara the Bombers averaged 4,200 fans per game,” said Karen Wampler Hara’s marketing director. She believes hockey can be profitable at Hara.

Since the Bomber’s departure Hara hosted another minor league team but the Ice Bandits only lasted two seasons. Wampler feels the Dayton market can only support one hockey team and they have not pursued it again until now.

Tuesday morning Wampler was on the phone talking with Revolution Sports in Columbus. The company has been in discussions with Hara to introduce another indoor sports team in Hara this year. Besides arena football and lacrosse the company also has interests in hockey according to their web site. Beyond Revolution Wampler says they have several other interested parties.

Hara has a long history with ice hockey. Soon after the arena’s completion in 1964 the Dayton Gems began a 13-year stretch on the new ice. Even since the Bombers 1996 departure they have continued to showcase youth (see picture above from Silver Sticks Tournament) and college hockey over the years. The Bombers did return to Hara for one game during the 2002 playoffs because of scheduling conflicts at the Nutter.

“The Nutter is a wonderful facility but it’s not a hockey facility,” said Wampler. “We are sorry to hear the Bombers are discontinuing operation, it’s a real loss for the area.”

“We would love to have professional hockey back at Hara,” said Wampler. “People seem to like the total experience offered at Hara.” She has heard from a lot of fans that miss the ambiance at Hara. “I think Hara is the best location for hockey in Dayton.”

Wampler said she is not sure if it is feasible to expect Hara to have a team ready to play this fall. But she doesn’t completely rule out that possibility. “If there could be a transition with an established team like the Bombers it could be possible.”