Hara Arena: More of your favorite stories

Hara Arena’s final event is just days away, and the fondest memories of those who helped pack the venue over the years continue to pour in.

One reader remembered seeing Bob Dylan at one of his two Hara appearances, but they also remembered an odd scene outside the venue as well:

“A side note regarding this concert was the parking lot strewn with pocket knives that were pitched because they were not allowed into the concert.”

Jeff Billington was present when two American guitar masters invaded the Dayton area in the late 80s.

Stevie Ray Vaughan & Jeff Beck, Wednesday November 15th 1989. The encore was “Goin' Down”. Wowser!”

Glen Patton shared a sweet memory regarding the first time Grand Funk Railroad played Hara Arena in 1971. Needless to say, the date went well:

“I took the prettiest girl in our freshman class at Meadowdale High School to see Grand Funk at Hara.  (I) will always have fond memories of that, and 45 years later we are still together.  Saw lots of great concerts there over the years.”

Van Halen rocked Hara four times over the years, beginning in 1979. Ed Carter caught them the final time on February 7, 1984:

“I was a sophomore in high school and we left for the show right after school and when we got there at like 4:00 in the afternoon. There was a line around the arena to get in, as it was a general admission show.  This was also the last tour with David Lee Roth as he was kicked out of the band soon after this tour ended.”

>>RELATED: Residents react with sadness over Hara closing

It wasn’t live music, but a great night out with the family in the 90s that has stayed with Leslie Zukowsky:

“I took my three kids (ages 2, 5 and 8) to see Beauty and the Beast at Hara.

We had such great seats -probably first or second section up from the ice.  We felt like we were one of the dancing cups. We will never forget!

THE GREATEST SHOW!”

>>RELATED: Hara Arena hosted riotous wrestlers, biggest of bands and plenty of history

Has Hara Arena's closing made you a wee bit nostalgic? Have a favorite show or event you attended there? Send them to me at Jim.Ingram@Coxinc.com!

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