The Arena League announced its expansion last spring when it chose Eau Claire as the home of a new franchise. About two months later, the Eau Claire team was introduced as the Jammers, sporting a logo depicting a flannel-wearing man holding a football and guitar. On Thursday, Oct. 31, the local team’s ownership group announced a pivot: the team will now be known as the Axemen.

Originally partnered with the Eau Claire Event District LLC – home of Country Jam, the music festival where “The Jammers” name was announced this summer – the arena football team was recently acquired by a new ownership group. 

“This decision follows careful consideration,” a recent media release from the ownership group stated. “This change is designed to celebrate our heritage and enhance our connection with fans while setting the stage for a proud future in arena football.”

Though no specific names were given of those in the ownership group, they are described as “a consortium of local business advocates, entrepreneurs, and financial experts.”

As the team did with its initial branding, they partnered with UW-Stout alumni Ryan Foose of Fooser Sports to develop the new logo: a brown ox, armed with a football and an axe thrown over its shoulder.

The media release said the new logo draws inspiration from the folklore of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox.

The Eau Claire Axemen will make their debut in The Arena League's 2025 season with an exhibition game on Saturday, May 24, at 6:05pm. Their first league game will be Saturday, June 7, at 6:05pm versus the Ozarks Lunkers. Home games will be at the Sonnentag Event Center.

“We want to make it unequivocally clear: this is Eau Claire’s team, and we are wholeheartedly committed to its role in community engagement, philanthropy, and building a lasting legacy,” the ownership group stated. They also thanked fans for their understanding and support ahead of the team’s inaugural season.

Those who have already placed deposits on season tickets be contacted next week by team staff with additional details. Those with questions can reach out to Eau Claire Axemen general manager, Dietrich Schwoerer, at gm@axemenfootball.com.

Learn more about The Arena League online • Keep up with the Eau Claire Axemen football team on Facebook and Instagram • The Eau Claire Axemen website be updated as well in the near future