The City of Barrie has been named the new home for Toronto FC II, which will relocate for the 2028 MLS Next Pro season and play in a purpose-built stadium on the city’s waterfront.
Stadium plans and capacity
The club will play in a new soccer-specific venue initially seating 3,500 spectators, with design provisions to expand to 6,500. Developers and league officials say the facility will include a rooftop terrace, private boxes and features aimed at community use.
- Primary seating: 3,500 (expandable to 6,500)
- Concert and large-event capacity: up to 8,500
- Location: downtown waterfront, designed for sport, concerts, festivals and community programming
| Use | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Soccer (initial) | 3,500 |
| Soccer (expanded) | 6,500 |
| Concerts / large events | 8,500 |
League and club statements
"Barrie represents the type of ambitious community that we want to partner with — one that is investing in world-class infrastructure, embracing the sport at every level, and creating an environment where players, fans, and the community can thrive."
The comment came from Ali Curtis, president of MLS Next Pro and an executive with MLS sporting development, as part of the league’s announcement. Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) executives also framed the move as a chance to bring Toronto FC II closer to more fans and into a dedicated venue rather than the club’s current home at York Lions Stadium.
"The City of Barrie and Barrie Stadium Group has demonstrated tremendous ambition, a clear vision for the future, and a deep commitment to growing the game."
The second quoted remark was attributed to Chris Shewfelt, vice-president of business operations at MLSE and lead governor for Toronto FC II.
Local implications
City officials and the stadium group have promoted the project as more than a sports facility, describing it as a multipurpose venue that can host festivals and concerts and serve community programming. For Barrie, the development represents a potential boost to downtown activity, visitor draw and year-round use of waterfront space.
For Toronto FC, relocating its MLS Next Pro team means maintaining a development pathway for players while staging matches in a smaller, soccer-specific venue that league leaders believe will better engage local audiences than the club’s current arrangement in Toronto.
Details on timelines, funding, municipal approvals and community consultations were not released in the league statement. The club will be introduced under the Barrie MLS Next Pro banner, with the team’s formal name, crest and colours to be revealed at a later date.
The move is scheduled for the start of the 2028 MLS Next Pro campaign, giving stakeholders several years to complete planning, construction and the necessary permitting for a waterfront stadium project that organisers describe as aiming to be a landmark small stadium in North America.
