Brighton & Hove Albion have unveiled ambitious plans for what will become the United Kingdom and Europe’s inaugural stadium constructed solely for women’s football. The proposal, which first received approval from the local council in October 2023, was delayed for several months due to logistical setbacks, but the club is now moving forward with the project.
The new arena will rise on a parcel of land known as Bennett’s Field, situated immediately beside the club’s existing Amex Stadium and adjacent to its East Stand. A dedicated pedestrian bridge will link the two venues, allowing fans, staff and players to move seamlessly between the main ground and the purpose‑built women’s stadium. The design calls for a minimum capacity of 10,000 spectators, providing an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere for match‑day experiences.
Initially, Brighton hoped the facility would be ready for the 2027/28 season, but realistic timelines have shifted the target to no later than the start of the 2030/31 campaign. Club chairman and owner Tony Bloom addressed the media, expressing his enthusiasm: "I’m extremely excited.
We’ve been discussing these plans for a long time and we knew we wanted to bring women’s football back to Brighton in a proper home. Finding the perfect location took a lot of effort, but we finally have a site that works for the team and the community. This is a pivotal moment for the club and especially for the young players who will grow up with a stadium built just for them and for the generations that follow. We have a deep belief in women’s football at every level – locally in Sussex, nationally across the UK, and globally.
Being the first dedicated stadium in the country elevates the sport’s profile both at home and abroad. I’m proud that Brighton is leading the way and I can’t wait to see what the future holds." Bloom also clarified that the club will not be seeking external investors to fund the development.
Chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber estimated the total cost at between £75 million and £80 million, a sum the club intends to cover internally. The stadium is being designed with female athletes and their supporters in mind from the ground up. This includes custom‑fitted changing rooms, state‑of‑the‑art recovery facilities, and a pitch that meets the specific performance standards of women’s football. The fan experience will be equally thoughtful: wider concourses, family‑friendly access routes, inclusive catering options, and social spaces that cater to a diverse audience.
Barber explained, "We have generations of athletes ahead of us who need, want and deserve stadiums that reflect their needs. Men’s stadiums are fine for the men’s game, but they weren’t designed with female athletes or a different demographic in mind.
We demand the same high‑performance environment for our women’s team as we do for the men’s side. It is logical to provide the best possible facilities to maximise performance, just as we have done at the training ground." Barber also highlighted the economic imbalance that currently favours the men’s game. "When fixture dates clash, the men’s team usually takes priority because it generates the bulk of the revenue. With a purpose‑built stadium for women’s football, that conflict disappears.
The women’s team will have a venue that is always available and perfectly suited to their needs," he said. The creation of a dedicated women’s stadium marks a landmark moment in the sport. Most clubs worldwide still share facilities with men’s teams, other sports, or repurpose former men’s grounds. A recent Sky Sports documentary examined this trend, noting that Brighton’s project follows the example set by National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side Kansas City Current, which already operates a purpose‑built stadium.
Another American club, Denver Summit, plans to open its own women’s venue in 2028. Brighton forward Fran Kirby praised the club’s commitment, saying the new stadium will help attract top talent to the south coast. In an interview with Sky Sports News she remarked, "We’ve been talking a lot about research into women’s injuries and sport science, but to see a club actually listening and investing in the best facilities makes me proud to be here. Growing up, I never imagined a bespoke stadium for women’s football.
It’s incredible and it will draw players, coaches and staff who want to be part of something special. If we want to compete for the top four spots and challenge in Europe, we need a world‑class facility that can lure the best players. This stadium is a huge attraction for anyone who wants to play at the highest level." Manager Dario Vidosic echoed the excitement, adding, "I wish I had a machine to fast‑forward three years and see the opening.
It’s thrilling to be part of a club that is pioneering standards for the women’s game. The new stadium will give us that extra boost of energy, especially as we finish this season, and it shows the club’s genuine gratitude to the women’s side." Beyond the immediate benefits for Brighton, the project signals a broader shift in how football institutions value women’s sport. By allocating significant capital, creating facilities tailored to female athletes, and ensuring scheduling independence, Brighton is setting a benchmark that could inspire other clubs across Europe to follow suit.
The stadium will not only serve as a home for match days but also as a hub for community programmes, youth development, and educational initiatives aimed at encouraging more girls to take up the game. In summary, Brighton & Hove Albion’s purpose‑built women’s stadium represents a bold step forward for gender equity in football. With a projected capacity of 10,000, a budget of up to £80 million, and a design focused on the specific needs of women athletes and fans, the venue is poised to become a model for future developments.
The club’s commitment, articulated by Tony Bloom and Paul Barber, underscores a long‑term vision that places women’s football at the heart of Brighton’s identity, promising a brighter, more inclusive future for the sport.