CENTERS AT UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-EAU CLAIRE
Overview
The Sonnentag Event Center and John & Carolyn Sonnentag Fieldhouse at the County Material Complex (The Sonnentag), opened in September 2024, and provides sports and event spaces that serve UW-Eau Claire intercollegiate athletes and students, the Eau Claire community, and outside rental groups. The multi-use facility is the largest indoor event venue in northwest Wisconsin. UW- Eau Claire alumni John and Carolyn Sonnentag and their family foundation donated a historic gift of $70 million and land to fund the project. In addition, UW-Eau Claire students passed a referendum in 2021 supporting a fee of $90 per semester for use and maintenance of the complex. Project partners include Blugold Real Estate, Mayo Clinic Health System in Northwest Wisconsin, city of Eau Claire, Visit Eau Claire, and UW-Eau Claire. The Sonnentag replaces Zorn Arena and transforms sports tourism and entertainment opportunities for the University and the broader community. CENTERS will lead day to day operations of The Sonnentag, partnering with the University to support internal events such as athletics, recreation and graduation, as well as marketing the facility to the external market for live events and concerts, youth sports tournaments, rentals, and more.
Facility Facts
• 225,000 GSF
• The Sonnentag Event Center – a 5,000-seat Arena (including 4 Gymnasium Courts)
• The John and Carolyn Sonnentag Fieldhouse – An Indoor 120 Yard Turf Facility
• UW-Eau Claire Center for Health and Wellbeing
• Two Multi-purpose Studios
• Meeting Rooms
• Merchandise Store
• Concessions
• Blugold Athletic Offices
• Locker Rooms
• The Mayo Clinic Health System Diagnostic Imaging and Sports Medicine Center
