Middlesex County has selected The Sports Facilities Cos. to oversee operations at three major facilities under development as part of the county’s Community, Innovation, Opportunity (CIO) Strategic Investment Plan.

Under the partnership, the national venue management firm will handle day-to-day management, maintenance, scheduling and programming. SFC will oversee the new 6,500-seat Middlesex College stadium, Thomas A. Edison Park and the full-service restaurant and bar located inside the new Middlesex College Student Center.

County officials said the agreement will support the long-term success of projects that aim to boost economic development, youth sports, education and entertainment opportunities throughout the region.

“Our new premier destination for sports and entertainment in Middlesex County needs an experienced partner who understands quality standards, guest experience, and diverse programming,” Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald Rios said.

He added that SFC’s experience managing multiuse venues will help ensure the facilities “exceed the expectations of our residents and visitors.”

Play ball

The centerpiece of the initiative is a new multiuse stadium that will host sporting events, community gatherings and entertainment programming. Rutgers University’s baseball team is scheduled to begin playing home games at the venue starting in 2027.

SFC will also oversee programming at the 180-acre Thomas A. Edison Park. The venue’s planned enhancements include:

• 10 artificial turf fields
• Baseball and softball fields
• Tennis courts
• A cricket pitch
• Championship facilities
• Supporting amenities

The company will also manage a new high-end restaurant and event space at Middlesex College. The eatery will also include a culinary training lab, providing students with hands-on hospitality and restaurant experience.

“What’s come to life here is more than a venue. It’s a destination where sports, entertainment, education, and community connect in a powerful way,” said Jack Adams, senior vice president of SFC. Adams said the project will “promote wellness, bring people together, and create lasting economic impact” while helping shape Middlesex County for decades to come.

The broader CIO Plan is an extension of the Destination 2040 roadmap. County officials said funding comes through federal, state and county investments. The CIO will open debt-free and constructed with union labor.