(MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ) -- Middlesex County leaders, state and federal officials, and community partners gathered on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, to celebrate the groundbreaking of the highly anticipated Multipurpose Community Venue and Student Center on Middlesex College campus. This is another major milestone in the development of the County's Community, Innovation, and Opportunity (CIO) Strategic Investment Plan, first announced in November 2022.
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.
The construction contract has been awarded to Terminal Construction Corporation, the lowest responsible bidder, 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, 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.
Sharing the significance of this milestone, 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.
“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. “Through strong partnerships and fiscal responsibility, we are building a brighter future for our County, ensuring Middlesex County remains the best place to live, work, and play for generations to come.”
“The Multipurpose Community Venue and Student Center will be a vibrant hub for learning, recreation, entertainment, and community events,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “This project will fuel economic growth and open new opportunities for students and local residents.”
“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. “I’m proud to have worked with our partners to secure the federal resources necessary to make this ambitious project a reality.”
“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. “With this investment, we position Middlesex County as a true destination – where education, innovation, and opportunity intersect and empower every resident to reach their fullest potential.”
Middlesex College President Mark McCormick
“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. “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.”
“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. “We look forward to the 2026 season and the many possibilities this venue will bring for Rutgers and Middlesex County.”
Key Features of the Multipurpose Community Venue and Student Center:
The Multipurpose Community Venue will serve as 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. Additionally, 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, is set to enhance the offerings of both Middlesex College and the Middlesex County Magnet School system, transforming the College campus and its surrounding facilities into a dynamic destination for the region. Alongside its educational and recreational benefits, the project is expected to drive significant economic growth, creating jobs and attracting visitors to Middlesex County. Furthermore, the County continues to invest in driving awareness in the local community with 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.
Middlesex County is bettering the lives of residents and providing economic growth opportunities to business and industry. It is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 19 County parks, and world-class healthcare and research facilities, making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in life sciences, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 860,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities. The County's award-winning Middlesex County Magnet Schools system and two-year Middlesex College uphold its position as #1 in the state for education and workforce development. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play – and has been since the 17th century.
