Brighton & Hove Albion have unveiled ambitious plans to construct the United Kingdom and Europe’s inaugural stadium built solely for women’s football. The scheme, originally given the green light by the local council in October 2023, was stalled for several months due to unforeseen delays, but the club now confirms that work will finally move forward.
The new arena will rise on a parcel of land known as Bennett’s Field, which sits directly beside the current Amex Stadium and backs onto the East Stand. A pedestrian bridge will link the two venues, allowing fans and players to move seamlessly between the existing main ground and the purpose‑built facility.
The design calls for a minimum seating capacity of 10,000 spectators, providing a sizable yet intimate setting for the women’s side. Initially, Brighton hoped to have the stadium ready for the 2027/28 season, but realistic timelines have shifted the target to no later than the start of the 2030/31 campaign. In a press conference, club chairman and owner Tony Bloom expressed 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 venue that truly belongs to them. We had to work hard to find the perfect location, and now we have it.
This is a thrilling moment for the club, the women’s team and especially the young players who will grow up with a stadium designed for them and for future generations." Bloom added that the club will fund the project internally, rejecting outside investment, while chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber estimated the total cost at between £75 million and £80 million. The stadium will be crafted with female athletes and their supporters in mind. Features will include custom‑designed changing and recovery rooms, a pitch surface suited to the specific demands of women’s football, and catering facilities that cater to a more diverse fan base.
Accessibility will be a priority, with family‑friendly entrances, wider concourses, and dedicated social spaces to foster a welcoming atmosphere. Barber explained, "We have generations of athletes ahead of us who deserve facilities built for them. Men’s stadiums are fine, but they weren’t designed with female athletes or a different demographic in mind. We expect the same high‑performance environment from the women’s team as we do from the men’s side, and that starts with world‑class infrastructure." He continued, "The economics of football are currently weighted heavily toward the men’s game.
When fixture clashes arise, the men’s team usually takes priority because of the revenue it generates. A purpose‑built women’s stadium eliminates that conflict – the women’s team will have a venue that meets their needs without compromise." This development marks a watershed moment for the sport, as most women’s clubs today either share facilities with men’s teams, occupy former men’s grounds, or play in multi‑purpose venues. The concept has already attracted attention abroad.
In the United States, National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side Kansas City Current operates a stadium built specifically for its women’s squad, and Denver Summit plans to open a similar facility in 2028. Brighton’s project places the English club at the forefront of a growing global trend toward dedicated women’s venues. Seagulls forward Fran Kirby praised the initiative, saying it demonstrates Brighton’s genuine commitment to the women’s game and will help attract top talent to the south coast.
In an interview with Sky Sports News, Kirby remarked, "We’ve been talking a lot about research into women’s injuries and sport science, but having a club that actually listens and invests in the best possible facilities makes me proud to be here. Growing up, I never imagined a club would build a stadium just for women’s football – it’s incredible. It draws players, staff and supporters who want to be part of something special.
To compete at the highest level, especially in Europe, you need a world‑class stadium and a team that can attract the best players worldwide. This purpose‑built arena is a massive draw for talent." Manager Dario Vidosic echoed the sentiment, expressing his eagerness to see his side play on the new pitch. "I wish I had a time‑machine to fast‑forward three years and step onto that field," he said.
"It’s exciting; the club is pioneering for the women’s game, setting standards and raising the bar. It will give us an extra boost of energy, especially as we head into the final stages of the season.
Seeing a dedicated stadium on the horizon is fantastic for the women’s game, and we are extremely grateful to the club for making it happen." Beyond the immediate benefits for Brighton, the stadium is expected to have a ripple effect across the sport. By providing a venue that meets the specific physiological and logistical needs of female athletes, it could set a benchmark for other clubs in England and Europe. The inclusion of family‑friendly amenities and broader concourses may also encourage higher attendance, fostering a more inclusive fan culture. Moreover, the project underscores the growing commercial viability of women’s football, signalling to sponsors and broadcasters that investment in the women’s game can yield substantial returns.
In summary, Brighton’s plan to build a 10,000‑seat, purpose‑built stadium on Bennett’s Field represents a bold step forward for women’s football in the UK and Europe. With internal funding, a clear timeline aiming for the 2030/31 season, and a design that prioritises female athletes and their supporters, the club is positioning itself as a leader in the sport. The initiative has already earned praise from players, coaches and international peers, and it promises to inspire other clubs to follow suit, ultimately elevating the profile and professionalism of women’s football worldwide.