DELARANEWS

Ham Radio News

…because we don’t live in a vacuum

And just like that, Hara Arena is no

Hara Arena, the former venue for Dayton Hamvention® and myriad sports, entertainment, and other presentations over the years, will soon be history. In the wake of a failed attempt to revitalize the tornado-damaged complex, officials in the city of Trotwood, Ohio -- where Hara Arena is located -- announced plans last week to raze the complex and rezone the property from commercial recreation to light industrial. "The complex suffered extensive damage during the 2019 Memorial Day tornado outbreak," a city news release recalled on September 25, taking note of hopes to salvage the complex. "However, redeveloping the property would be a challenge due to the extent of the damage, so the decision was made...to demolish the legendary venue." The city said the zoning change will allow manufacturing, distribution centers, and call centers to establish their businesses in the area. "We are excited for what the future holds for this property," Trotwood Mayor Mary McDonald said. "This is going to create some momentum for redevelopment," City Manager Quincy Pope told the Dayton Daily News. According to the Dayton Daily News, the property's owners have said the iconic marquee spelling out "Hara Arena" atop the main arena will be preserved and auctioned off, with the proceeds donated to charity. The Hara complex and the surrounding real estate occupy some 128 acres. Co-owner Corey Heitz told the Dayton Daily News that it will take up to 6 months to tear down the buildings completely, and he hopes to have "something" there in the next 12 months. Hara Arena had served as the venue for Dayton Hamvention from 1964 until 2016. Hamvention announced in July 2016 that Hara Arena would be closing but that Hamvention would continue. The show is now held at the Greene County Fairgrounds & Expo Center. Over its six-decade history, Hara Arena hosted concerts by performers that included the Rolling Stones and the Grateful Dead; it was also where hockey legend Wayne Gretzky played his first professional hockey game. -ARRL Letter

ARRL National Convention and Orlando Hamcation®

Postponed to February 2022

ARRL and the Orlando Amateur Radio Club (OARC) have announced that the ARRL National Convention and Orlando HamCation® — which was to host the convention — have been postponed until February 10 – 13, 2022. The convention had been set for next February. “The joint decision came after considering the national public health emergency including the health and safety of all participants, the uncertainty that continues to impact our organizations, and the reluctance to travel to, and attend, large events,” said ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA. “We regret the disruption to the hard work already completed by so many volunteers preparing for the ARRL National Convention and HamCation.” “While postponing was a difficult decision, our top priority is delivering a safe and successful HamCation experience for everyone, including our attendees, dedicated volunteers, exhibitors, and service partners,” said HamCation General Chairman Michael Cauley, W4MCA. OARC President John Knott, N4JTK, noted that holding the convention in 2022 will mark the 75th anniversary of HamCation — one of the largest annually held gatherings of radio amateurs in the US. The published gate figure for 2020 was 24,200 for all 3 days. “We want our diamond anniversary show to be an exciting, five-star event,” said Knott. “We look forward to seeing you in Orlando in 2022, and hope that you and your loved ones remain safe in the months to come.” A full day of National Convention programming and training sessions was previously scheduled to precede HamCation. That will be rescheduled for Thursday, February 10, 2022. HamCation will host the rest of the convention on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, February 11 –13, 2022 at the Central Florida Fairgrounds and Expo Park in Orlando — an 87-acre lakefront fairgrounds. Cauley said HamCation may organize some online presentations and programs for what would have been HamCation 2021 next February. A QSO party is also under consideration. The HamCation website will soon post details, including information for anyone seeking refunds and other options for pre-purchased tickets and exhibit space. Follow HamCation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. -ARRL