Brighton has unveiled plans to construct the UK and Europe's first purpose-built stadium for women's football. The project, initially approved by the local council in October 2023, will be situated on Bennett's Field, adjacent to the Amex Stadium. The new stadium will have a minimum capacity of 10,000 and will be connected to the main ground via a bridge link. Brighton chairman Tony Bloom expressed his excitement, stating that the club has been working tirelessly to bring women's football back to Brighton.
The stadium, designed with female athletes and supporters in mind, will feature bespoke facilities, including changing and recovery rooms, pitches, and catering. The project is expected to cost between £75m and £80m, with the club's chief executive, Paul Barber, emphasizing the need for dedicated facilities to support the women's team. The stadium is slated to open by the start of the 2030/31 season, with the club aiming to raise the profile of women's football in the UK and abroad.
Players, including Fran Kirby, have welcomed the news, citing the attraction of a purpose-built stadium as a key factor in competing at the top level.