By: Najla Alexander
Middlesex County officials announced that County leaders, state and federal officials, and community partners gathered on Tuesday, January 21, to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Middlesex College campus's highly anticipated Multipurpose Community Venue and Student Center.
This is another significant milestone in the development of the County’s Community, Innovation, and Opportunity (CIO) Strategic Investment Plan, first announced in November 2022, County officials stated. Scheduled to open in 2026, the college campus will become a vibrant destination for education, recreation, arts, entertainment, and community events while fueling economic growth and creating new opportunities for residents and businesses.
According to MCPO officials, Terminal Construction Corporation, the lowest responsible bidder, has been awarded the construction contract, with a project cost of $125,916,999. Construction will begin immediately and is anticipated to take approximately 22 months to complete. This initiative will be 100% union-built and funded by state, federal, and county dollars.
The County’s strong fiscal health, with its AAA bond rating for over 23 consecutive years, makes this capital investment possible without incurring additional debt, MCPO authorities said
Speakers included Board of County Commissioners Director Ronald G. Rios, Governor Phil 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 head baseball coach Steve Owens. They discussed the significance of this milestone, MCPO officials stated.
“Today’s groundbreaking marks a historic moment for Middlesex County as we continue to transform our vision into reality. In just three short years since this project was first announced, we have made tremendous progress—a testament to the invaluable support of our state and federal partners,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios.
“The Multipurpose Community Venue and Student Center will be a vibrant hub for learning, recreation, entertainment, and community events,” said Governor Phil Murphy.
“This groundbreaking is a testament to what we can achieve when we invest in our community's future. The Multipurpose Community Venue and Student Center will not only transform Middlesex College into a vibrant hub for education, arts, and athletics but also drive economic growth and create new opportunities for residents across the County,” said Congressman Frank Pallone.
“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 Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin.
“Middlesex College is proud to be an integral part of the Middlesex County community and is grateful for the support of the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners that enables us to live up to and lean into our College mission. The entire Middlesex College community – employees, students, alumni, and Trustees – are excited that the CIO Plan has reached this milestone,” said Middlesex College President Mark McCormick.
“Rutgers Athletics is proud to continue its partnership with Middlesex County and break ground on the new Multipurpose Community Venue. This project represents a significant investment in the success of our 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,” said Rutgers Interim Athletic Director Ryan Pisarri.
Key Features of the Multipurpose Community Venue and Student Center:
- Multipurpose Community Venue: A 3,500-seat, state-of-the-art facility designed 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 athletes and spectators. Premium includes eight private boxes, food and beverage accommodations, and spaces for gatherings and special events.
- Student Center: This 35,000-square-foot hub will redefine student life at Middlesex College. Designed as a centerpiece of student culture, the facility will include game rooms, meeting and study spaces, and a fully operational restaurant. Middlesex College’s Culinary Arts Department will utilize the restaurant space to provide students with hands-on, real-world culinary experiences, enhancing enrollment and career readiness.
Middlesex County officials said that the Multipurpose Community Venue will be the future home of Rutgers baseball, beginning with the 2026 season. This partnership between Middlesex County and Rutgers Athletics will not only provide a state-of-the-art home field for the Scarlet Knights but also foster 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 enhanced access to Rutgers’ programs, mentorship opportunities, and shared educational initiatives, County officials say.
Additionally, County officials stated that the County issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in September 2024, attracting more sports industry attention to this multifaceted venue and potentially new tenants.
This project, a cornerstone of the County’s Destination 2040 Strategic Plan, will enhance the offerings of Middlesex College and the Middlesex County Magnet School system, transforming the College campus and its surrounding facilities into a dynamic destination for the region, Middlesex County authorities said.
Alongside its educational and recreational benefits, the project is expected to drive significant economic growth, creating jobs and attracting visitors to Middlesex County, County officials said. Furthermore, the county continues to invest in driving awareness in the local community through a dedicated advertising campaign, “Get Ready!” with out-of-home and digital exposure to drum up excitement.
For more information on the CIO Strategic Investment plan, visit middlesexcountynj.gov/cioplan.