Hosting Success: Strategies for Attracting High-Profile Events to Campus Venues
The Sonnentag: A Destination for Unforgettable Experiences
The Sonnentag continues solidifying its position as a premier destination for high-caliber events. Its recent hosting of Mayo Clinic employees and guests for a private Employee Appreciation Event, featuring renowned comedian and “Manitowoc Minute” star Charlie Berens, showcased the venue’s ability to deliver a seamless and memorable experience. Attendees enjoyed an evening of laughter and camaraderie in the venue’s state-of-the-art facilities, setting a high standard for future corporate and private events.
The Sonnentag, a $122 million, 247,750-square-foot event and recreation complex managed by CENTERS, is the largest indoor event venue in northwestern Wisconsin. Opened in September 2024, it features a 5,000-capacity event center, a 100-yard indoor turf field, and the Center for Health and Wellbeing, a state-of-the-art fitness facility overlooking the Chippewa River. Achieving LEED Gold Certification and the WELL Health-Safety Rating, the complex sets a national standard for sustainability and wellness in campus facilities.
Adaptable Spaces for Every Occasion
Designed with versatility in mind, The Sonnentag can effortlessly transition from hosting thousands of basketball or volleyball fans to providing an intimate setting for exclusive gatherings. This adaptability enables it to cater to various event types, including concerts, comedy shows, family entertainment, corporate events, and galas. Each event benefits from the venue’s cutting-edge technology, advanced audiovisual capabilities, and sustainability-focused certifications, ensuring a premium experience for every guest.
CENTERS: A Proven Partner in Campus Venue Management
The success of The Sonnentag is underpinned by CENTERS, a national leader in campus center management. CENTERS’ expertise in managing over 1,000 events annually across a diverse portfolio of venues ensures that every detail, from event logistics to guest experience, is handled with precision and care. Their operational model focuses on blending strategic marketing, financial stewardship, and community engagement, making The Sonnentag a beacon of excellence in venue management.
A Holistic Approach to Event Planning and Execution
CENTERS stands apart for its comprehensive approach to venue management, seamlessly integrating event logistics with broader objectives such as community engagement and stakeholder collaboration. This approach ensures that every event at The Sonnentag achieves more than operational success—it creates meaningful, lasting connections. The Mayo Clinic, a key partner in the facility through the Mayo Clinic Health System Diagnostic Imaging and Sports Medicine Center, exemplifies this synergy. Events like their private gathering at The Sonnentag reflect a shared mission to serve and enrich the community. By tailoring events to align with each partner’s unique needs and values, CENTERS enhances the venue’s role as a dynamic hub for health, wellness, and engagement in the Eau Claire region.
Driving Economic and Cultural Growth in Eau Claire
Events like the Mayo Clinic gathering not only highlight The Sonnentag’s operational excellence but also its substantial impact on the local community. By attracting high-profile acts such as nationally regarded comedians Brian Regan and Charlie Berens, country music stars like Chris Young, and hosting athletic tournaments for basketball and volleyball that drive sports tourism, the venue significantly contributes to the regional economy. These events bolster Eau Claire’s reputation as a hub for innovation, culture, and entertainment. The Sonnentag’s ability to serve both the university and the broader community exemplifies the transformative power of public-private partnerships in creating vibrant economic and cultural engines.
From Vision to Reality: Setting the Standard for Campus Event Centers
CENTERS’ deep expertise and proven methodologies are critical to The Sonnentag’s success, bringing decades of experience in managing complex venues to ensure every event is meticulously planned and executed. With its advanced facilities, adaptable design, and strategic approach, The Sonnentag maximizes its potential as a dynamic hub for innovation, engagement, and excellence. Whether hosting corporate galas, athletic contests, community fundraisers, or nationally recognized entertainers, the venue exemplifies how thoughtful management and innovative design can transform a space into a vibrant hub for activity and inspiration.
Conclusion: Inspiring Events, Exceptional Experiences
The Sonnentag Event Center, managed by CENTERS, is redefining what it means to be a campus and community venue. Its ability to balance the needs of diverse stakeholders, attract high-profile events, and deliver exceptional experiences ensures it will remain a cornerstone of the Eau Claire community for years to come. For organizations seeking to create one-of-a-kind experiences, The Sonnentag offers a winning combination of adaptability, innovation, and operational excellence.
About the Author: Wyatt Tinnen is the General Manager of The Sonnentag at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. He and his teammates, Trent Kuffel, Operations Manager, and Sharlae Vanis, Marketing and Membership Coordinator, comprised the opening team for The Sonnentag in 2024. Wyatt has 25 years of experience in sports and entertainment, having previously opened five other major venues, including the Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO.
CENTERS @ The Sonnentag July 2024 Opening Team with Comedian Brian Regan: From left, Wyatt Tinnen, Mike Schneider, Sharlae Vanis, Brian Regan, Craig Stover, Trent Kuffel, Ron Stern and Kim Martin.