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HOW IT ALL BEGAN
In 1946, William H. and Edward A. Hobart had a vision.  Their vision was a vastly expanded recreational program for the City of Troy.  This expansion would involve an 18-hole golf course, a new football stadium and a winter sports arena.

They proposed that if the citizens of Troy passed a $450,000 bond issue to build the golf course and stadium, the C.C. Hobart Foundation would build and give to the City of Troy a winter sports facility.

Troy City Council accepted and approved the plan.  At a special election in 1947, the citizens overwhelmingly approved the plan.

The new municipal golf course opened in April, 1947, and the stadium in September that same year.  On September 6, 1950, the vision became a reality with the opening of Hobart Sports Arena.  Since then many charitable, religious, civic, and educational groups have benefited from using the facility. 

Over the years, some of the best known entertainers in the world have performed at the Arena.  It has hosted all types of sporting events, trade shows, conferences, concerts, etc.  The events and activities have generated millions of dollars for the Greater Troy area.

 
THE LEGACY CONTINUES
In 1995, Lucia Bravo visited Hobart Arena and noticed several areas that needed to be upgraded.  After discussing this with her husband, Robert, the Bravos had a vision of giving more than one million dollars to be used as seed money for the renovating of Hobart Arena.

They felt by committing such an amount, that the citizens of Troy, other groups and organizations would also donate towards the upgrading of the facility.  In 1996, Troy City Council and the Recreation Board approved the project and a renovation committee was formed.  The architectural firm of Lorenz and Williams of Dayton, Ohio, was hired, and a complete assessment of the facility’s needs were made and prioritized. 

The goal of the Bravos, the arena’s Renovation Committee, and the architects was to bring Hobart Arena up to modern day standards, equivalent to the day it was opened.

In April of 1997, the first project began.  Since then the following projects have been completed:  the arena’s roof and exterior areas were repaired, windows were replaced, exterior lighting was upgraded and new landscaping was added; the main entrance and lobby were upgraded; in the corridor, a rubberized floor was installed, walls were revamped and a ceiling added; the concession stands were relocated to make room for the constructions of the Troy Hall of Fame in the hall entrance; the restrooms and locker rooms were renovated; the arena’s ceiling was painted; the ice surface was enlarged and new seating was installed; the acoustics were evaluated and baffles and a new sound system were installed.  The City Council paid for and installed a new electrical system and air-conditioning system.