The Sonnentag Draws Events to Eau Claire Region

By Catherine McCoy

A new venue in Eau Claire has given the university a long-awaited multi-use facility, drawing attention to the community. The Sonnentag, the largest indoor event venue in northwestern Wisconsin, has been in discussion for the last decade, and in July 2024, became a reality.

Construction began in the spring of 2022 and has since replaced UW-Eau Claire’s Zorn Arena. Its state of-the-art, sprawling complex offers a robust variety of facilities, programs and events for the community. It can accommodate more than 3,800 seated guests, with room for 5,000 for standing-room events.

The project was made possible through the generosity of alumni John and Carolyn Sonnentag, whose donation paved the way for the world-class facility to take shape. The Sonnentags, along with those who have invested significant time and energy to make the facility come to life, are beginning to see the fruit of such a dynamic space for Eau Claire and the surrounding communities.

MORE THAN JUST A SPORTS ARENA

At first glance, The Sonnentag may look like a university athletic facility. But in addition to serving as the new home for UW-Eau Claire athletics, it will host large-scale events like concerts and comedy shows, while providing flexibility to adapt for smaller luncheons, roundtables and banquet style events.

At the venue’s opening in the summer of 2024, acts like Chris Young and Brian Regan kicked off the event calendar — these highly different acts show the diversity of events offered at the Sonnentag. Additionally, the venue will host the Hmong New Year and Harlem Globetrotters over the coming weeks.

With a wide range of use cases, The Sonnentag allows guests to utilize its extensive amenities. Guests have access to an onsite fitness center, catering options through Professional Sports Catering (PSC) and ample guest parking. The facility also offers access to the Blugold Room, equipped with 1,500 square feet of flexible event space, ideally suited for meetings, corporate events, seminars, birthday parties and more.

The Sonnentag boasts a quasi-partnership with The Mayo Clinic Health System for its Diagnostic Imaging and Sports Medicine Center. It is also conveniently located near many hotels; a new, adjacent hotel, SpringHill Suites, will be available for reservations in early 2025.

With its gold-standard amenities, The Sonnentag is also committed to ensuring it maintains its sustainability commitment. Pablo Foundation, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and its students, the city of Eau Claire and Xcel Energy will invest more than $12 million to reduce the facility’s carbon footprint. As part of this commitment, The Sonnentag has promised a removal of 80% of total suspended solids from storm water runoff, green vehicle parking, EV charging stations, prioritization of native plantings and non-irrigated landscape.

THE FIELDHOUSE

One of the major attractions of the venue is The John and Carolyn Sonnentag Fieldhouse. With 84,000 square feet, it is an ideal venue for a variety of events, from sports tournaments to large-scale exhibitions and athletic practices.

The connection to UW-Eau Claire athletics was a major factor in incorporating the Fieldhouse into the design of The Sonnentag. As Wyatt Tinnen, General Manager at The Sonnentag says, it has become a major draw for student groups and athletic programs.

“Every single university activity wants a part in this project,” said Tinnen. Though the Fieldhouse’s capabilities span further reach than university athletics.

The 120-yard turfed field can accommodate large crowds and diverse event setups. It comes with advanced equipment and easy access to audio and visual capabilities. The Fieldhouse is also centrally located to highly desired Eau Claire attractions with nearby hotels, restaurants, and access to the Chippewa River State Trail.