A new chapter in Barrie’s sports history is about to begin. Toronto FC II is bringing professional soccer to the heart of the city, along with plans for a new state-of-the-art downtown stadium that will serve as the home of the club’s 2028 MLS NEXT Pro debut. The City of Barrie, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), MLS NEXT Pro and Barrie Stadium Group announced the landmark partnership Tuesday afternoon, unveiling a rendering of the new 3,500-seat soccer stadium on the former Barrie Central Collegiate (BCC) site. According to the release, the new venue located off of Dunlop Street West will become the future stomping grounds of the Barrie MLS NEXT Pro while also serving as a destination for concerts, festivals, sporting events and community programming. The city says this move marks a transformative investment in Barrie’s sports landscape. Back in 2024, a report was directed to city staff to launch the initial stages of building a soccer stadium in the downtown. Toronto FC II is the professional development club of Toronto FC and competes in MLS NEXT Pro, providing the final phase in the club’s player development pathway. Some of Canada’s brightest talent has come through Toronto FC II, and the club says it will continue its legacy by expanding access to elite soccer across one of the fastest-growing regions. “This partnership represents an exciting next chapter for Toronto FC II and our MLS NEXT Pro franchise,” said Chris Shewfelt, VP of Business Operations, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and Lead Governor, Toronto FC II. “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.” Shewfelt said the announcement comes on the heels of the World Cup showing Canada has the space and motivation to create more stadiums. “Throughout the tournament, the narrative of a pathway and development has been consistent. What’s the opportunity for youth that are next?” said Shewfelt. “And this is a part of that story. There needs to be a lot more soccer stadiums built. There needs to be a lot more soccer infrastructure,” he added. Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall called this a pivotal moment for the city and its sports community. “This is a transformational day for Barrie,” said Nuttall. “This investment in our community, alongside Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment and Barrie Stadium Group’s investment in the newly formed Barrie MLS NEXT Pro franchise, will not only allow for professional sports to grow in Barrie, but provide a pivotal community hub for our youth sports to compete and learn in.” “You’re going to be able to see soccer, rugby, lacrosse, all types of community meetings,” said Nuttall. “Young people go in practice, hone their talents, figure out how they can better themselves. But also entertainment, this is a facility that’s being built in a way that will allow for, concerts and entertainment to take place,” Nuttall said. 450 new parking spots will come with it and have the capacity to hold more than 8500 people. Barrie Stadium Group says it will support the city in developing and operating the new downtown stadium. The organization is led by Chairman Jamie Massie and President and CEO Peter Raco, who say the project is about creating a lasting sports legacy closer to home. “More than thirty years ago, we helped bring the Barrie Colts to our community and built a venue, Barrie Molson Centre, that has become part of the identity of this city,” said Massie. “Today, we have the opportunity to do it again through the world’s game. This team and stadium will become part of the identity of our city for generations to come.” Raco added, “Today marks the beginning of a new era for Barrie.” “This right here will be the most iconic small stadium in Canada, every square foot of that will be designed with the intention of soccer specific and football first,” said Raco. “Just 3500 seats covered, grandstand protected from the elements, 16 suites, club lounge fields, a rooftop terrace, the best turf you can get,” he said. MLS NEXT Pro President Ali Curtis said Barrie represents the type of community the league hopes to partner with as it continues expanding across North America. “MLS NEXT Pro is designed to accelerate player development while helping build vibrant soccer communities,” said Curtis. “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. More details surrounding stadium plans and the club’s long-term identity will be announced at a later date. Barrie MLS NEXT Pro says it is scheduled to begin playing in the 2028-2029 season. This article was written with files from CTV News’s Luke Simard.
