MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – As Middlesex County, one of the largest counties in New Jersey, prepares to break ground on a brand new open-air Multi-Purpose Community Venue, it is seeking experienced sports franchise tenants to fill a robust schedule of outdoor events. With a total capacity of 6,500 — including 3,500 fixed seats — this state-of-the-art venue to be located on the Middlesex College campus in Edison, New Jersey, is being built to Big Ten, NCAA, Minor League Baseball, and FIFA standards, offering a unique opportunity for experienced franchise tenants from throughout the country to participate in a Request for Qualifications (RFQ).
The Multi-Purpose Community Venue will have an artificial turf field of play constructed with padded underlayment to meet collision sports requirements. The venue will accommodate a variety of sports such as baseball, football, soccer, and lacrosse, and will be equipped with multiple concession stands; indoor and outdoor bar space; dedicated locker rooms, dugouts, and bullpens for tenant and visiting teams; broadcast facilities and press box; office space for tenants; and dedicated parking for tenant staff and team.
Conveniently located in Central New Jersey and easily accessible to New York, Pennsylvania, and all of New Jersey, the Multi-Purpose Community Venue will be close to restaurants, hotels, shopping, and entertainment venues such as the State Theatre New Jersey and several performing arts centers, making it an ideal spot to host games and tournaments.
Beginning in 2026, the venue will be home to the NCAA Division I Rutgers University Scarlet Knights baseball team, as well as various Middlesex College Colts athletic teams.
The initial term for lease agreements is five years. Interested prospective franchise tenants are encouraged to join the RFQ process by submitting their qualifications by October 15, 2024, at 11 am EST. The Multi-Purpose Community Venue will be operated by the Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA) or its designee.
ABOUT THE MULTI-PURPOSE COMMUNITY VENUE
The new Multi-Purpose Community Venue is part of Middlesex County’s Community, Innovation, and Opportunity (CIO) Strategic Investment Plan, which is reimagining the Middlesex College campus into a regional destination not only for academics, but for athletics, entertainment, arts, and culture.
The CIO Strategic Investment Plan seeks to bolster the County’s long-term economic growth and stability through key infrastructure investments that support the business community and the overall quality of life of County residents. In addition to providing a new space for sports and entertainment that will enrich residents’ lives, the Multi-Purpose Community Venue represents a rare opportunity for experienced sports franchise teams in search of a home venue — located in a prime location.
To learn more about this exciting tenant opportunity at a state-of-the-art venue and to read the full list of criteria, visit www.MCIAuth.com and search for “Current Bidding Opportunities.”
