Brighton & Hove Albion have unveiled ambitious plans to construct the United Kingdom and Europe’s inaugural stadium built exclusively for women’s football. The proposal, which received its initial green light from the local council in October 2023, has faced a series of delays that prevented immediate progress. The club now confirms that construction will finally move forward on the site known as Bennett’s Field, a parcel of land that lies directly beside the club’s existing Amex Stadium and adjacent to its East Stand.
The new arena will be physically linked to the Amex Stadium by a purpose‑designed pedestrian bridge, allowing seamless movement between the two venues. Designed with a minimum capacity of 10,000 spectators, the facility will provide a modern, intimate atmosphere tailored to the needs of female athletes and their supporters. While the original target was to have the stadium ready for the 2027‑28 season, the timeline has been adjusted, and the club now aims to open the ground no later than the commencement of the 2030‑31 campaign. At a recent press conference, Brighton 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, our team, back to Brighton. We had to work hard to find the perfect location, and now we have it.
This is an exhilarating moment for the club and especially for the young players, because it’s built for them and for the generations that will follow. We have a huge belief in women’s football, both locally in Sussex and on a national and global scale.
Being the first purpose‑built stadium in the UK elevates the profile of the women’s game at home and abroad. It’s a milestone, and I’m proud Brighton is leading the way." Bloom also clarified that the club will not be seeking external investors to fund the project. Brighton’s chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber estimated the total cost at between £75 million and £80 million, a sum the club intends to finance internally. Barber highlighted that the stadium will be designed from the ground up with female athletes and their fans in mind, featuring custom‑made changing rooms, recovery suites, and pitch specifications, as well as catering and hospitality areas that cater to a more inclusive audience.
Accessibility will be a core principle, with family‑friendly entrances, wider concourses, and dedicated social spaces throughout the venue. "We have generations of athletes ahead of us who need, want and deserve stadiums built for them," Barber said.
"That’s not to say the men’s stadiums aren’t fit for purpose; they’re simply not designed for female athletes or for a different demographic. We demand the same high‑performance standards from the women’s team as we do from the men’s side. It’s logical to provide the best possible facilities to maximise performance – we’ve already done that at the training ground, so the stadium should reflect the same commitment." Barber also addressed the financial imbalance that currently favours the men’s game.
He noted that when fixture dates clash, the men’s side typically receives priority because of its larger revenue streams. A dedicated women’s stadium would eliminate such conflicts, allowing the women’s team to schedule matches without compromise and to play in a venue that meets their specific requirements. The development marks a historic moment for the women’s game, which has traditionally seen clubs share grounds with men’s teams, other sports, or repurpose former men’s facilities. Recent media investigations, such as a Sky Sports documentary, have examined this trend and highlighted Brighton’s pioneering role.
The Seagulls are following the example set by NWSL side Kansas City Current, which already operates a purpose‑built stadium, and they join other American clubs like Denver Summit, slated to open a dedicated women’s arena in 2028. Brighton forward Fran Kirby praised the club’s commitment, suggesting that the new stadium could attract top talent to the south coast.
In an interview with Sky Sports News, Kirby said, "We’ve been talking a lot about research into women’s injuries and sport, but to see a club actually listening and investing in women’s football makes me proud to be here. Growing up, I never imagined a bespoke stadium for women’s football would exist. 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 facilities that attract the best players in the world. A purpose‑built stadium is a huge draw for talent." Manager Dario Vidosic echoed the excitement, admitting, "I wish I had a machine to fast‑forward three years and step inside. It’s thrilling to see the club pioneering standards for the women’s game and raising the bar.
It will give us a boost of energy, especially as we head into the final stretch of the season. Seeing a venue like this on the horizon is fantastic for women’s football, and we’re extremely grateful to the club for making it happen." In summary, Brighton’s plan to erect a 10,000‑seat, purpose‑built stadium for its women’s side represents a significant stride toward gender‑specific infrastructure in football. By financing the project internally, focusing on design elements that cater to female athletes and fans, and setting a timeline that aims for a 2030‑31 opening, the club is positioning itself at the forefront of a global movement to elevate women’s sport. The initiative promises to enhance player performance, attract elite talent, and provide a dedicated home for the Seagulls women’s team, ultimately contributing to the broader growth and visibility of women’s football across the UK and Europe.