Toronto FC II confirms Barrie move and new 3,500-seat stadium
3,500 seats, a March 2028 opening target and more than 1,000 people gathered for the announcement: Barrie is preparing to become a professional soccer city. Toronto FC II will relocate from York Lions Stadium to a purpose-built downtown venue for the 2028-2029 MLS NEXT Pro season. The move links player development, community sports and downtown entertainment in one of the most significant recent soccer infrastructure projects announced in Canada.
The Bottom Line
- Toronto FC II will relocate to Barrie beginning with the 2028-2029 MLS NEXT Pro season.
- A new soccer-specific downtown stadium is scheduled to open in March 2028.
- The venue will initially seat 3,500 spectators, with one report describing expansion potential to 6,500.
- The club remains owned by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, while Barrie Stadium Group will operate the franchise and help develop the stadium.
- The permanent team name, crest, colours and branding will be revealed later.
Breaking It Down
The announcement was made July 14 at Meridian Place by the City of Barrie, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, MLS NEXT Pro and Barrie Stadium Group. More than 1,000 supporters and community members attended, according to the league, which described the gathering as possibly the largest public club-launch celebration in MLS NEXT Pro history.
The team was introduced publicly as Barrie MLS NEXT Pro, although that is not yet its final identity. Toronto FC II will continue serving as Toronto FC's development side, giving young players a professional pathway while moving matches into a standalone community market rather than remaining on the York University campus.
The stadium is planned for the former Barrie Central Collegiate site in the downtown area. Barrie Stadium Group will work with the city to develop and operate the venue. Beyond professional soccer, the building is expected to host amateur sports, concerts, festivals and other community programming. One report said concert capacity could reach 8,500, while the soccer configuration may eventually expand beyond its opening capacity.
The project follows years of discussion about a sports facility on the former school property. Before the formal announcement, the city had purchased most of the site, including 5.5 acres of a seven-acre parcel. Earlier concepts had included a multi-use field or a home for Simcoe County Rovers, but the confirmed plan now centres on Toronto FC II and MLS NEXT Pro.
Why This Matters
Barrie will gain professional soccer for the first time, but the larger impact is the creation of a permanent player-development and community-sports hub. MLS NEXT Pro is designed to move young players toward first-team opportunities, and relocating Toronto FC II gives athletes in Simcoe County and Central Ontario closer access to that pathway.
The downtown location also changes how the club can connect with supporters. Toronto FC II currently plays at York Lions Stadium, while the Barrie plan places the team in a venue built around its matches and local identity. Organizers are comparing the opportunity with the long-term community role of the Barrie Colts, whose arena became part of the city's sporting culture.
For Canadian soccer fans, the move adds another professional foothold outside the country's largest urban centres. The Canadian Premier League, Northern Super League and community clubs have already shown demand for soccer in smaller markets. Barrie's project tests whether a development team can become both a pipeline for elite players and a recognizable local institution.
What Comes Next
Construction and operating details will be released as the March 2028 opening date approaches. Organizers also plan to announce the club's official name, crest, colours and brand, along with information about founding memberships, season tickets, sponsorships and community partnerships.
Toronto FC II is expected to remain at its current home until the relocation. The team will then begin playing in Barrie during the 2028-2029 MLS NEXT Pro season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Toronto FC II moving to Barrie?
Toronto FC II is scheduled to relocate for the 2028-2029 MLS NEXT Pro season. The new stadium is targeted to open in March 2028.
How many seats will the Barrie soccer stadium have?
The stadium will open with 3,500 seats. One published report says the venue could later expand to 6,500 for soccer and accommodate as many as 8,500 people for concerts.
Where will the new Barrie stadium be built?
The venue is planned for the former Barrie Central Collegiate property in downtown Barrie. The site is near Dunlop Street West and Bradford Street.
Will the team still be called Toronto FC II?
The club was introduced as Barrie MLS NEXT Pro, but its permanent identity has not been announced. The final name, crest, colours and branding will be revealed later.
Who will own and operate the Barrie soccer team?
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment will continue to own the club. Barrie Stadium Group will operate the franchise and partner with the city on stadium development and operations.
What else will the stadium be used for?
The venue is designed for professional and amateur sports, community programming, concerts and festivals. Organizers describe it as a year-round downtown gathering place rather than a soccer-only facility.
Resources
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