Brighton & Hove Albion have unveiled ambitious plans to construct the first stadium in the United Kingdom – and indeed in Europe – that is designed solely for women’s football. The proposal, which received its initial green light from the local council in October 2023, had been stalled for several years due to a series of delays.
The club now confirms that work will finally move forward, marking a historic milestone for the sport. The new ground will rise on a parcel of land known as Bennett’s Field, situated directly beside the club’s existing Amex Stadium and adjacent to the East Stand. A purpose‑built pedestrian bridge will link the two venues, allowing seamless movement between the men’s and women’s facilities.
The design calls for a minimum capacity of 10,000 spectators, providing an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere that is tailored to the needs of female athletes and their supporters. Originally, Brighton hoped to have the stadium ready for the opening of the 2027/28 season. However, 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, saying, "I’m extremely excited. We have 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 is truly theirs. We worked hard to find the perfect location, and this is a thrilling moment for the club, the women’s team, and the generations of young players who will follow." Bloom emphasized that the club will finance the project without seeking external investors. Brighton’s chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber estimated the total cost at between £75 million and £80 million.
He explained that the stadium will be built from the ground up with female athletes in mind, featuring bespoke changing rooms, dedicated recovery areas, and a pitch surface optimised for women’s game‑play. The fan experience will also be re‑imagined, with wider concourses, family‑friendly access points, and social spaces that cater to a broader, more inclusive audience.
Barber highlighted the broader significance of the development: "We have generations of athletes ahead of us who deserve facilities that reflect their needs. Men’s stadiums are fine for the men’s game, but they were never designed for female athletes or a different demographic.
We are demanding the same high‑performance environment for the women’s side that we provide for the men’s side." He added that the current economic model heavily favours the men’s game, with scheduling conflicts often giving priority to the men’s fixtures because of revenue considerations. A dedicated women’s stadium would eliminate those clashes, ensuring the women’s team can play on a venue that meets their standards whenever required. The project is poised to become a landmark for the sport. Until now, most women’s clubs have shared grounds with men’s teams, other sports, or have been relegated to former men’s facilities that were never intended for them.
Brighton’s initiative follows the example set by the National Women’s Soccer League’s Kansas City Current, which already operates a purpose‑built stadium, and mirrors plans by Denver Summit, a U.S. side slated to open its own women‑only venue in 2028.
Brighton forward Fran Kirby praised the club’s commitment, telling Sky Sports News, "We have been talking a lot about research into women’s injuries and sport, but to see a club actually listening and investing in the best possible environment for women’s football makes me proud. When I was growing up I never imagined a bespoke stadium for women’s football. It’s incredible and it will attract players, staff and fans who want to be part of something special. To compete at the top of the league and in Europe, you need world‑class facilities, and this stadium will be a magnet for top talent." Manager Dario Vidosic echoed the excitement, joking, "I wish I had a machine to fast‑forward three years and see the stadium.
It’s exciting, and the club is pioneering standards for the women’s game. It will give us extra energy for the remainder of the season and we are grateful to the club for this vision." Beyond the immediate benefits for Brighton, the stadium is expected to have a ripple effect across the sport. By providing a venue that is purpose‑built for women, the club sets a benchmark that could inspire other clubs in the UK and abroad to invest similarly, potentially reshaping the infrastructure landscape of women’s football. The inclusive design—featuring easy family access, gender‑neutral facilities, and community spaces—aims to broaden the fan base and make match‑day experiences more welcoming for everyone.
The development also aligns with wider strategic goals for women’s football, such as increasing participation rates, improving player welfare, and enhancing commercial appeal. With a dedicated stadium, Brighton can host larger events, youth clinics, and community outreach programmes, further embedding the women’s team within the local fabric of Brighton and Hove.
Construction is set to begin once final planning permissions are secured, and the club has pledged regular updates to keep supporters informed. As the first stadium of its kind in the UK, Brighton & Hove Albion’s project signals a bold step forward for gender equity in sport, offering a tangible example of how clubs can invest in the future of women’s football while fostering a more inclusive, vibrant football culture for all.