EDISON – Construction will begin immediately on a $125 million multipurpose community venue and student center on the Middlesex College campus following a groundbreaking ceremony On Tuesday.
With a 22-month construction schedule, the facilities, part of Middlesex County’s 2022 Community, Innovation and Opportunity (CIO) Strategic Investment Plan, are scheduled to open in 2026.
The project is geared toward making the college campus a destination for education, recreation, arts, entertainment, and community events while fueling economic growth and creating new opportunities for residents and businesses, according to Gov. Phil Murphy.
A construction contract was awarded to Terminal Construction Corporation for $125,916,999. The project will be 100 percent union-built and funded with county, state and federal funds.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios said through strong partnerships and fiscal responsibility, a brighter future is being built for the county which will ensure Middlesex County remains one of the best places to live, work and play for generations.
Rios was joined at the groundbreaking by Murphy, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin; New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette; Middlesex College President Mark McCormick; Rutgers Deputy Athletic Director of Facilities, Capital Projects and Internal Operations Matthew Colagiovanni; and Rutgers head baseball coach Steve Owens.
The multipurpose community venue will be a 3,500-seat, state-of-the-art facility for concerts, cultural events and sports such as baseball, soccer, and lacrosse.
The venue will meet Big Ten, NCAA, Minor League Baseball and FIFA standards, ensuring top-tier accommodations for both athletes and spectators.
More:Here’s what you can expect in Middlesex County in 2025
Features will include eight private boxes, food and beverage areas and spaces for gatherings and special events.
The venue will serve as the future home of Rutgers baseball beginning with the 2026 season. The partnership between Middlesex County and Rutgers Athletics will provide a state-of-the-art home field for the Scarlet Knights while also fostering new academic pathways for Middlesex College students.
As the largest feeder school to Rutgers University, Middlesex College established a dual admissions agreement with Rutgers in 2024, granting students access to Rutgers’ programs, mentorship opportunities and shared educational initiatives.
The 35,000-square-foot student center is designed to enhance student life at Middlesex College. Intended as a centerpiece of student social life, the facility will include game rooms, meeting and study spaces and a restaurant.
Middlesex College’s Culinary Arts Department will use the restaurant space to provide students with hands-on culinary experiences.
“Today, as we break ground on this project, we are not just making a mark on the land – we’re making a mark on the future of our community and all who call it home,” said Coughlin.
McCormick said the entire college community is excited the plan has reached this milestone.
“These amazing additions to our campus will provide new and enhanced opportunities for our students to learn, study together, and engage in a wide range of extracurricular activities including athletics and student clubs,” McCormick said.
Rutgers Interim Athletic Director Ryan Pisarri said the new venue represents a significant investment in the success of Rutgers baseball program.
“Middlesex County has been an incredible partner in this process and has gone above and beyond to make this venue state-of-art for our players and staff,” Pisarri said. “We look forward to the 2026 season and the many possibilities this venue will bring for Rutgers and Middlesex County.”
The county also will be promoting a “Get Ready!” advertising campaign to drive awareness and excitement about the project.
Email: srussell@gannettnj.com
Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
