Brighton Confirm Plans For First Purpose Built Women's Stadium

Brighton & Hove Albion has confirmed plans for the UK and Europe’s first purpose-built women’s football stadium. It will be one of only three such stadiums in the world, putting the club at the forefront of the women’s game globally.

The stadium specifically ‘built for her’ will provide bespoke facilities for Brighton’s women’s team, its staff and the club’s supporters and represents a major milestone in the club’s 2030 vision.

Work has begun on a planning application for the new women’s stadium located at Bennett’s Field, a site strategically acquired during 2025.

The location is immediately adjacent to the American Express Stadium, enabling strong operational and fan experience links between the two venues with the opportunity for the club to use a range of its facilities across both men’s and women’s matchdays.

The new women’s stadium has been designed with a minimum capacity of 10,000 and will be physically connected to the Amex via a new bridge link.

The club’s ambition is for the stadium to open no later than the 2030/31 season, subject to planning approvals which will be sought through the neighbouring authorities of Brighton and Hove City Council and Lewes District Council.

Brighton Women’s Managing Director, Zoe Johnson, said: “The prospect of a bespoke stadium, built exclusively for women’s players, staff and supporters, is incredibly exciting.

“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.

“It is something we are asked about constantly, and we have worked hard to reach this moment, so it is exciting now to share this news with the wider world.

“It will help us push forward our ambitions to compete consistently both domestically in the Women’s Super League, and also in European club competition, while helping us to attract key staff and grow a passionate fan base.

“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.”

Having adopted a guiding philosophy of ‘built for her’, the new stadium will be designed around the needs of female athletes and the distinct needs and culture of the women’s game rather than be an adaptation of a venue that was designed for male athletes historically and typically supported by a male-dominated audience.

From pitch standards and performance environments such as changing rooms and recovery spaces, every element of the new stadium will support elite female players.

Reflecting a different demographic of supporters, the matchday experience will be designed to be especially welcoming for families and first-time attendees with easy access for families, wider concourses, social spaces and an event-day atmosphere focused on music, entertainment and community.

Above all, with the team’s on-field performance the focal point from a sporting perspective, the new stadium will provide a permanent home and identity for the women’s team, driving repeat attendance, a better broadcast experience and long-term fan growth.

Chair of Albion Women, Michelle Walder, added: “We are determined to maintain the momentum built in recent years, not just nationally but here in the city.

“Delivering these plans is central to accelerating the long-term growth of our women’s team and the future of the wider game.”

Brighton & Hove Albion Chairman, Tony Bloom, added: “Since we announced our intention to build a stadium for the women’s team in Brighton and Hove, we have seen unprecedented interest locally, nationally and internationally.

“It is a topic I am regularly asked about by many of our fans, clearly indicating the growing level of interest and potential for women’s football.

“It is a significant further investment in our long-term vision for women’s football at Brighton & Hove Albion. A women’s stadium in the city is essential to the continued growth of the team.

“We strongly believe it will strengthen our ability to attract elite talent, help develop our younger players for the future, support the growth of our fan base and create a genuine sense of belonging around the women’s game.”

Images: Brighton & Hove Albion