Officials gathered Jan. 21 at the Middlesex College campus to mark the groundbreaking of the Multipurpose Community Venue and Student Center.

State, federal and county dollars fund the $125.9 million project – with a construction contract awarded to Terminal Construction Corp. Work will start immediately. It is expected to take about 22 months, setting up a scheduled 2026 opening.

Key project details include:

• 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 league standards as well as offer top-tier accommodations and premium features. Beginning with the 2026 season, it will serve as the home of Rutgers baseball.
• Student Center: A 35,000-square-foot hub that will serve as the centerpiece of student culture at Middlesex College. It will include game rooms, meeting and study spaces, and a fully operational restaurant. The latter will also provide students in the Culinary Arts Department with hands-on, real-world experience.

‘A historic moment’

Middlesex County officials said this groundbreaking marks another milestone in the development of its Community, Innovation, and Opportunity Strategic Investment Plan. They also described the project as a cornerstone of the county’s Destination 2024 Strategic Plan.

“Today’s groundbreaking marks a historic moment for Middlesex County as we continue to transform our vision into reality,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald Rios. “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.”

“The Multipurpose Community Venue and Student Center will be a vibrant hub for learning, recreation, entertainment, and community events,” said Gov. Phil Murphy, who was on-hand for the groundbreaking. “This project will fuel economic growth and open new opportunities for students and local residents.”

Middlesex College President Mark McCormick said the “amazing” additions will provide new and enhanced opportunities for students to learn and study together. He also highlighted opportunities to engage in a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as athletics and student clubs.

“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 and lean into our college mission,’ said McCormick. “The entire Middlesex College community – employees, students, alumni, and Trustees – are excited that the CIO Plan has reached this milestone.”

A homerun

Sneak peek

Take a look at what the Multipurpose Community Venue will look like here.

“Rutgers Athletics is proud to continue its partnership with Middlesex County and break ground on the new Multipurpose Community Venue,” said Rutgers interim Athletic Director Ryan Pisarri. “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-the-art for our players and staff.”

“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,” said Rios.

“We look forward to the 2026 season and the many possibilities this venue will bring for Rutgers and Middlesex County,” said Pisarri.