Sonnentag Event Center is a multipurpose arena in Eau Claire, Wisconsin located near the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire's campus. The stadium is anticipated to open in 2024. The stadium replaced the Zorn Arena.
The Sonnentag | |
 | |
| Address | 1061 Menomonie Street Eau Claire, WI 54703 |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 44°47′59″N 91°31′21″W / 44.79971°N 91.52257°W |
| Owner | Eau Claire Community Complex[1] |
| Operator | CENTERS [2][3] |
| Capacity | 5,000[5] 3,250 (indoor football) |
| Surface | 210' x 85' (indoor football) |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | Spring 2022 |
| Opened | Spring 2024 (planned) |
| Construction cost | $110 million[4] |
| Project manager | Ayres Associates[3] |
| General contractor | Market & Johnson[3] |
| Tenants | |
| UWEC Blugolds men's basketball (WIAC) (2024-present) UWEC Blugolds women's basketball (WIAC) (2024-present) Eau Claire (TAL) (2025-present) | |
| Website | |
| www | |
History
editIn 2014, alumni John and Carolyn Sonnentag gave more than 25 acres of land along the Chippewa River to the UW-Eau Claire Foundation. The UW-Eau Claire Foundation also accepted a $70 million gift from the Sonnentags and their family foundation in 2021. These gifts were intended to help the university replace Zorn Arena and provide value to the community.[3]
On July 9, 2021, the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents authorized UWEC to lease space at the arena for 20 years with a 10-year renewal option.[6]
Arena Usage
editSports
editThe stadium will host the Eau Claire in The Arena League, expected to begin in June 2025. The league agreed to a three-year lease with the stadium.
Events
editThe arena will be able to accommodate all types of events. The facility will be 172,502 square feet and designed for trade shows, concerts, and competitions.
John and Carolyn Sonnentag Fieldhouse
editThe John and Carolyn Sonnetag Fieldhouse is an 81,300 square-foot space that features a 120-yard artificially turfed field.[5]
References
edit- ^ Knuth, Michael; Yang, Jesse (6 December 2021). "Sonnentags' $70 million gift to UW-Eau Claire Foundation puts County Materials Complex on fast track". University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "CENTERS to lead sustainable operating initiatives for UWEC Sonnentag Center". CENTERS. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ a b c d "CENTERS to lead operations of County Materials Complex for UW-Eau Claire". University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. 3 August 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ Dachel, Felicity (18 April 2024). "Spring UWEC graduation will be the last at Zorn Arena". WQOW. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ a b "The Sonnentag". University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ Johnson, Gary (9 July 2021). "Board of Regents votes to support Sonnentag Event Center and Field House". University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Retrieved 20 May 2024.