Brighton plan Europe's first purpose-built women's stadium

Brighton and Hove Albion have released their plans for Europe's first purpose-built women's football stadium.

The club say the new stadium will "provide a permanent home and identity for the women's team" in an attempt to drive long-term fan growth.

Located at Bennett's Field, a site adjacent to the Amex Stadium - the home of Brighton's Premier League side - it will hold a minimum capacity of 10,000 and will be connected to the Amex via a bridge walkway.

With work under way on a planning application, the club hope to officially open the stadium for the start of the 2030-31 season.

"The prospect of a bespoke stadium, built exclusively for women's players, staff and supporters, is incredibly exciting," said the club's managing director of women's and girls' football, Zoe Johnson.

"It is a project that is the first of its kind in the UK and Europe, and one of only three in the world, and will capture the imagination of stakeholders across the women's game, not just here, but globally."

Brighton say changing rooms, pitch standards and recovery spaces will "support elite female players", while the matchday experience will be "designed to be especially welcoming for families and first-time attendees".

There will be breastfeeding rooms, baby changing areas and 'buggy parks' for prams, as well as social spaces on the concourse to host events and underground car parking.

Johnson added the stadium will help the club "push forward our ambitions to compete consistently both domestically in the Women's Super League (WSL), and also in European club competition", while attracting "key staff and growing a passionate fanbase".

"We also hope the stadium can support academy and development fixtures, giving more of our younger players valuable experience of playing in a purpose-built stadium environment," she said.

Brighton have played at the Amex on occasion but currently host the majority of their WSL matches at Crawley Town's Broadfield Stadium, about 20 miles away.

How do plans compare to other clubs?

Ten of the 12 clubs in the WSL are affiliated with a Premier League side, and many are moving into the men's team's grounds as they expand.

Chelsea Women made Stamford Bridge their permanent home this month, following moves by Arsenal, Aston Villa and Leicester City, who all play their WSL matches at the club's main stadiums.

But Brighton's new stadium will be the first purpose-built ground in the top flight of women's football in England.

While a new concept in Europe, the world's first bespoke women's football ground opened in the United States. Kansas City Current have played at the CPKC Stadium for the past two seasons. And new US franchise Denver Summit are building their own stadium, with a planned opening for the 2028 season.