Businesses showing support for future sports stadium

Downtown businesses are welcoming plans for Barrie’s future sports stadium.

The City of Barrie unveiled plans on July 14 for a $26-million downtown stadium that will become the home of Toronto FC II for the 2028 MLS NEXT Pro season.

The soccer-specific facility will sit on the former Barrie Central Collegiate property at Dunlop Street West and Bradford Street. It will open with 3,500 seats, with the ability to expand to 6,500. The venue will also host concerts, festivals, sporting events and community gatherings, with capacity for up to 8,500 attendees for larger events.

Kathryn Abel, who owns Escape Room Barrie with her husband Tim, said she is excited about the opportunities the stadium could bring.

“As a downtown business owner, our reaction to the sports stadium announcement is definitely positive,” she said.

“We’re excited to see more entertainment opportunities come to our city as a business that is focused on entertainment and families. This is a great addition to our city and our downtown that will hopefully help to beautify an area that is sorely in need of it.”

Abel said her only concern is waiting for the stadium to open.

“The only concern I have about the sports stadium is that it won’t open soon enough,” she said.

“Our business is looking forward to it and we’re excited to see the big impact that it’s going to have and the changes that it’s going to bring to downtown. I think it is going to really help stimulate the downtown economy.”

Nick Burke, manager at Donaleigh’s Irish Public House, said the stadium could provide a major boost for downtown restaurants and businesses.

“It’s going to be amazing having everyone come down for the games every week or every other week, and then just having people internationally to come to our downtown core,” he said.

“It’s going to be massive for the downtown – it’s going to help our business and other businesses. Bringing more people downtown is what we’ve been working towards.”

Burke said the stadium will also fit with Donaleigh’s role as a gathering place for sports fans.

“Donaleigh’s is one of the main bars that will always celebrate TFC too – it’s going to be a great time for soccer fans,” he said.

Mackenzie Emerson, manager at Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery, said the stadium is an important investment in Barrie’s sports and entertainment scene.

“I think Barrie has been a little bit behind on sports and how much we put money into events that happen in Barrie,” she said.

“I think this is long overdue. This stadium is going to be very beneficial for the city.”

Emerson said the project could also create new opportunities for local athletes and sports communities.

“There’s a lot of talent in Barrie that’s not necessarily being promoted,” she said.

“I think it’ll be a good opportunity for many people here in Barrie.”

The stadium project is a partnership between the City of Barrie, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, MLS NEXT Pro and the Barrie Stadium Group.

The city is contributing $8 million toward the project, while MLSE and the Barrie Stadium Group are each providing about $9 million.

Construction should begin following final approvals, with Toronto FC II slated to begin playing in Barrie in spring 2028.