EDISON, NJ – Middlesex College celebrated a major milestone on Tuesday with a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Multipurpose Community Venue and Student Center. The event marked the beginning of construction on a state-of-the-art facility that will serve both the college and the wider Middlesex County community.
Slated to open in 2026, the venue is designed to host a variety of events, from concerts and cultural gatherings to sporting events such as baseball, soccer, and lacrosse. The facility will boast approximately 3,500 seats and meet the stringent standards of organizations like the Big Ten, NCAA, Minor League Baseball, and FIFA. Notably, it will become the new home field for Rutgers Baseball.
The project is a key component of Middlesex County’s Community, Innovation, and Opportunity (CIO) Strategic Investment Plan, an initiative launched in 2022 to strengthen Middlesex College and the Magnet School System.
“This groundbreaking is a testament to what we can achieve when we invest in our community’s future,” said Congressman Frank Pallone. “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.” Pallone emphasized his role in securing federal funding for the project.
The ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Governor Phil Murphy, Board of County Commissioners Director Ronald G. Rios, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. Representatives from the college and Rutgers Athletics were also present, including Middlesex College President Mark McCormick, Rutgers Deputy Athletic Director Matthew Colagiovanni, and head baseball coach Steve Owens.
“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,” said President 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.”
The project carries an estimated cost of $125,916,999 and is expected to be completed within 22 months. This significant investment promises to provide a lasting impact on Middlesex College, its students, and the surrounding community.
