Rutgers baseball to share new $70M Middlesex College stadium in Edison
EDISON - Middlesex County will build a 70 million multipurpose "field of dreams" on the Edison campus of Middlesex College that will be used for some of Rutgers University baseball team's home games and other events.
As part of a partnership with Rutgers University, the county has signed a letter of intent for the Scarlet Knights baseball team, an NCAA Division 1 team, to make the future multipurpose venue at Middlesex College its official ballfield for home games.
"This is incredibly exciting," Patrick Hobbs, Rutgers athletic director, said Monday during a news conference at the Edison campus. "We can't wait for that facility to open. A lot of fun will be happening in that venue for Rutgers. I can't wait for the day we get to site in the stands together. Let's go win a Big 10 championships in that stadium."
Steve Owens, Rutgers baseball head coach, said the stadium offers a great opportunity for Rutgers baseball and Middlesex County to continue to build the team's fan base, increase the program's visibility and recruit at the highest level.
Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios said the initial agreement with Rutgers is to run three to five years.
The stadium, expected to cost about $70 million, will be financed with state, county and federal funds and is expected to be completed in 2026, officials said. Rios said permits will have to be acquired before the project goes out for bid.
Middlesex County Administrator John Pulomena said the venue will be used for baseball and other events. He said a scheduling team will be in place for both Rutgers and Middlesex College baseball players to use the stadium for games, as well as for the stadium to host other events.
"It will really be a community destination," Pulomana said.
"Middlesex County and Rutgers University have long enjoyed a strong relationship. This partnership between the county and Rutgers athletics reflexes and builds on the strength of that relationship," Rios said.
Plans call for state-of-the-art stadium which will be equipped with air-conditioned batting and pitching tunnels, expanded locker rooms, and Big 10 television accommodations including broadcast streaming.
"It's a game changer," said Todd Frazier, a Rutgers graduate and former Major League Baseball player. "Rutgers baseball is going to dominate on a field like this."
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"Anytime that federal, state, county and local government come together for the greater good of our community it's a wonderful thing. I'm excited that Rutgers baseball has found a new home right here in Edison," said Edison Mayor Sam Joshi.
To complement the venue, amenities at the nearby student center will include a sports bar with indoor and outdoor seating, Rios said.
He said the partnership will also create new opportunities for Middlesex College students by reinforcing the college's position as one of the best two-year colleges in the country. As the largest feeder college to Rutgers University, Rios added it's only natural that the county also builds an academic partnership with increased access to Rutgers curriculum, mentorship opportunities and possibly shared educational programming.
Rios said Middlesex College athletic teams will benefit from the multipurpose community venue and fans attending to cheer the Middlesex Colts.
The stadium is just one part of the county's $250 million Community, Innovation and Opportunity Strategic Investment Plan as part of Middlesex County's Destination 2040 Strategic Plan to make the Middlesex College campus in Edison a regional destination for academics, athletics and cultural arts, while also enhancing the quality of life and driving economic development for the county.
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Also planned are a workplace development and conference center, new community park and student center, new magnet school and athletic complex.
Some Edison residents have questioned the impact on traffic.
Pulomena said traffic will be addressed as part of the overall plan.
"We recognize the importance of transportation to this facility. We recognize we have major connections with 287, the Turnpike and Parkway, we also have hospitality facilities here. So we're looking at enhancing existing roads like Woodbridge Avenue to increase traffic flow, we're also looking at elements of alternative routes into the facility. It's an important part of our overall strategic plan," he said. "We understand transportation is a key element in the success of what we do here."
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Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Rutgers baseball to share new $70M Middlesex College stadium in Edison
