Rowan announces 300-acre Route 322 sports complex
Carly Q. Romalino
HARRISON - A massive sports complex could be the neighbor to Inspira's future hospital on Route 322.
Rowan University has preliminary plans to lease 300 acres to developers for an arena and dozens of sports fields.
University trustees on Wednesday authorized the school to sign a letter of intent with Elite Development Program, a lead partner in the West Campus Fields project.
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The board's vote "demonstrated Rowan's full commitment to the project," university President Ali Houshmand said in a statement.
Planning is ongoing, according to university spokesman Joe Cardona.
But the complex — described as a "youth sports venue" by EDP President Steve Shilling — is expected to include a 4,500-seat arena; an indoor training center; 50 athletic fields; and facilities for tennis, baseball and outdoor track.
A hotel also is planned for the property, according to the university.
In 2002, Rowan began purchasing farmland in Harrison near routes 55 and 322, not far from the Glassboro border. It acquired a total of 600 acres on either side of Route 322.
In 2008, it opened the South Jersey Technology Park on the north side. Last year, Rowan sold 100 acres to Inspira Health Network for its newest hospital, which is now under construction.
In 2015, Rowan opened a $4.6 million practice facility for its college teams on 17.5 acres of the 600-acre West Campus. It includes two synthetic turf fields where Rowan's football, lacrosse and field hockey teams practice.
When the practice center opened two years ago, Rowan officials indicated sports facilities on the main campus eventually would be relocated to the West Campus.
Cardona told the Courier Post this week the university intends to phase in a transition of its sports fields from the main campus in Glassboro to the West Campus Fields.
The long-term goal, he added, is to build academic buildings on the main campus locations that now have sports fields.
Carly Q. Romalino: @carlyqromalino; 856-486-2476; cromalino@gannettnj.com
