In conjunction with York University Athletics & Recreation, York9 Football Club (FC) has confirmed it will launch its 2019 inaugural season of Canadian Premier League at York Lions Stadium.
“It’s exciting for the players,” said York9 FC coach Jimmy Brennan, whose squad convened this month for the start of Canadian Premier League training camps. “You want to play your games in a true modern stadium atmosphere, with the added bonus that we get to start this club playing properly on soccer-specific grass.”
View of York Lions Stadium at York University
In addition to creating a great soccer-viewing experience for fans, the periphery niceties, including a sizable craft beer and food truck selection, will be a big part of creating an outstanding match day for York9 supporters.
“We’re creating a small craft beer festival every game for people to enjoy,” said Preben Ganzhorn, president and CEO of York9 FC. “We think it will be appealing to the university crowd and all sports enthusiasts within York Region. We want to create something that speaks to that millennial but also is relevant to the true soccer fan. It’s about creating the combination of an inviting environment, where there’s something for everybody, and developing something special on the pitch in a way that’s authentic in order to create good football viewing.”
Additionally, the north supporters end will now feature a multi-tiered safe standing area to create a true football atmosphere for the club’s loudest supporters. This decision has been made after consultation with supporter groups and researching other top-flight stadiums around the world.
“We are incredibly excited to have this partnership with York9 FC, and now to see them officially launch their 2019 inaugural season in beautiful York Lions Stadium is something we’re really looking forward to,” added Jennifer Myers, executive director, Athletics & Recreation at York University.
York9 FC opens its 2019 inaugural season home slate with a Canadian Championship matchup against AS Blainville on May 22.
The club will host 905 Derby rival Forge FC three days later at York Lions Stadium, on May 25, for their Canadian Premier League home opener.
About the Canadian Premier League
Canadian Premier League (CPL) is Canada’s professional men’s soccer league, set to debut on April 27. Playing in world-class and unique venues, and partnering with strong community-led ownership groups, the CPL is a league for Canadians by Canadians that will bring professional soccer to communities coast to coast.
For updates and more information, visit CanPL.ca.