York Lions Stadium - Toronto FC II
Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71
York Lions Stadium
230 Ian MacDonald Boulevard
Toronto, ON M3J 1P3
Year Opened: 2014
Capacity: 4,000
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Deuces Heading North
The Toronto Football Club of Major League Soccer has an affiliate that is part of the third-division MLS Next Pro. The unimaginatively named Toronto FC II has been the affiliate of TFC since 2015, when they were part of the USL. The team joined MLS Next Pro in 2022, coinciding with their move to York Lions Stadium. TFC2 has not enjoyed much success, only making the playoffs in one season. In 2026, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment announced that Toronto FC II would be moving north to the city of Barrie for the 2028 season, where they would play in a brand new, soccer-specific stadium that would be built.
For the time being, York Lions Stadium is the home of Toronto FC II. The stadium was built for the 2015 Pan Am Games on the campus of York University at the north end of Toronto, in the borough of North York. It was built for the Track and Field events in the games and was renovated in 2021. It was made more appropriate for soccer and football by removing the track and shifting the field a bit.
Food & Beverage 1
For the match that was reviewed, there were no concession options inside the stadium. Water stations are present for fans to refill their water bottles. There was an ice cream truck parked outside the stadium, which was referred to by the PA announcer during the match. Wristbands were provided at entry, and fans were able to leave and re-enter with ice cream.
Atmosphere 2
York Lions Stadium has a fairly attractive exterior. An Inuit sculpture welcomes fans at the north gate. The exterior features brown paneling with silver and red trim on the single grandstand. The field is surrounded by attractive, black wrought iron fencing. However, there is not much in the way of signage around the stadium, and it is not inconceivable for fans to get confused and head to the older stadium, once known as York Stadium, currently Alumni Field.
Inside, there is a single grandstand on the west side that is huge. The pitch is oriented from north to south with the videoboard at the south end. The grandstand features nine sections of thirteen rows of red, plastic stadium seats. The first row is elevated, so attempting to see through the athletes on the bench is not an issue. The surface is artificial turf, and thankfully, there were no football lines on the field to take away from the match. There are what look like temporary suites at ground level on the east side, which are probably used for other soccer matches with Inter, Toronto FC, and AFC Toronto.
The gameday production at a Toronto FC II match is very simple. There is a lack of original content and pre-match videos, and the music is from the parent Toronto FC. The sound system is good, and the PA announcer is easy to understand. The proximity to the action and generally small crowd size will offer fans the opportunity to hear the sounds of the game that they would not normally hear.
Neighbourhood 4
York Lions Stadium is located on the Keele Campus of York University in the York University Heights neighbourhood of the Toronto borough of North York. There are places for pre- or post-game food and drink that are not too far, but will require a hop in the car or a stop with transit. Some options include Nuovo Toronto, Chop Steakhouse, Copacabana Brazilian Steakhouse, Romano’s, Picasso Grillz, and VMV’s Bar and Grill. There are also a number of fast food and chain restaurant options in the area.
York Lions Stadium is also the home to other professional soccer teams, including AFC Toronto of the NSL and Inter Toronto FC of the CPL. It is also the home of the York Lions football and soccer programs. York fields a host of other athletic teams that play on campus, including hockey and basketball. Sobey’s Stadium is also on campus and hosts the Canadian Open tennis tournaments annually. Toronto is a very crowded sports market, and other teams in the area include TFC2’s parent club, Toronto FC, Toronto Blue Jays, Argonauts, Maple Leafs, Raptors, Sceptres, Marlies and Tempo.
Other tourist options in Toronto include Casa Loma, Medieval Times, Ripley’s Aquarium, CN Tower, and the must-see Hockey Hall of Fame. Canada’s Wonderland is a very short drive north on Highway 400.
For fans wishing to stay close to campus, the Four Points and Best Western Plus Toronto North York are good options.
Fans 2
Assessing fans in MLS Next Pro is very difficult as the league does not publish attendance figures. At the match that was reviewed, late in the 2026 season, it was pretty much a friends and family crowd that may have topped out at 150 people. There was a bit of a superfan in attendance who posted supporter banners on the grandstand, which fans could not see. The fan did lead some kids in cheers that were Toronto FC-based.
Access 4
York Lions Stadium is located on the Keele Campus of York University. The campus is found in the York University Heights neighbourhood of the Toronto borough of North York. It is on the south side of Ian MacDonald Boulevard, at the north side of campus. It is not difficult to get to; however, Toronto traffic, even in the north end, is significant. Steeles Avenue, the northern border of campus, is among the busiest streets in the city. However, proximity to Highways 400 and 407 is very close.
Fans traveling should be aware that Highway 407 is a toll highway. There is sufficient parking on campus, and fans will be required to pay a nominal parking fee. York utilizes the Honk app for ease in paying for parking. For fans wanting to take public transit, the Pioneer Village subway station is at the north end of campus, near the stadium. Fans are able to take the TTC from here down to Union Station if they wish. There are also York Region Transit buses that stop at the Pioneer Village station. Fans should check the TTC or YRT websites for fares, maps, and schedules.
Getting around York Lions Stadium does come with plenty of stairs. Those challenged with mobility difficulties may find some challenges here. There is plenty of space behind the seating area for fans to stand or sit with wheelchairs if necessary. The washrooms are adequate for the facility.
Return on Investment 4
Toronto FC II tickets are very affordable. Tickets are purchased at the door for $10 each. Toronto FC season seat holders and kids under 10 are free, and York University students are only $5. Parking on campus will cost around $10. Although the atmosphere is very simple, fans will enjoy the match, even without all the bells and whistles.
Extras 2
An extra mark for Toronto FC II moving north to Barrie, where they will most likely receive more attention.
An extra mark for the synergy Toronto FC II enjoys with Toronto FC.
Final Thoughts
It is not an exaggeration to refer to Toronto FC II as an afterthought in the MLSE sports portfolio. The opportunity to develop their own fans and identity with the move away from York Lions Stadium to Barrie will be a welcome change that can only benefit the club.
