Brighton & Hove Albion have unveiled ambitious plans for what will become the United Kingdom and Europe’s inaugural stadium built specifically for women’s football. The project, originally granted planning permission by the local authority in October 2023, has faced a series of setbacks that delayed its implementation.
However, the club now confirms that construction will finally move forward on the site known as Bennett's Field, a parcel of land that sits directly beside the east side of the Amex Stadium. The new venue will be physically linked to the existing main stadium by a purpose‑designed bridge, allowing seamless movement between the two facilities. It is slated to accommodate at least 10,000 spectators, providing a modern, intimate atmosphere tailored to the needs of female athletes and their supporters. While the original target was to have the ground ready for the 2027‑28 season, realistic timelines have been adjusted, with the club now aiming for an opening no later than the commencement of the 2030‑31 campaign.
At a recent press conference, Brighton chairman and owner Tony Bloom expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I’m extremely excited. We have been discussing these ideas 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.
Finding the perfect location took considerable effort, but we finally have a site that works for everyone involved." Bloom highlighted the long‑term vision, emphasizing that the stadium is being built not just for the current squad but for future generations of players and fans. He added, "We believe passionately in women’s football at the local, national and global levels. Being the first purpose‑built stadium in the UK will raise the profile of the game both here and abroad, and I’m proud that Brighton is leading the way." Financially, the club will fund the development internally. Bloom confirmed that no external investors will be sought, and chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber estimated the total cost to fall between £75 million and £80 million.
Barber explained that the stadium will be designed from the ground up with female athletes in mind, incorporating bespoke changing and recovery facilities, a pitch surface optimized for women’s play, and catering services that reflect a more inclusive fan base. Accessibility will be a core feature, with family‑friendly entry points, wider concourses, and dedicated social spaces to encourage community engagement.
Barber also addressed the broader context of stadium design, noting, "We have generations of athletes ahead of us who deserve facilities that meet their specific requirements. Men’s stadiums are fine for the men’s game, but they were never conceived for female athletes or the demographics that follow them.
Our aim is to provide the same high‑performance environment to the women’s team as we do to the men’s side." 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 involved. A dedicated women’s stadium eliminates that conflict, giving our women’s side full control over their matchday schedule and a venue that is purpose‑fit for them." The development represents a watershed moment for the sport, as most clubs still share grounds with men’s teams or repurpose former male facilities. Recent investigative work by Sky Sports highlighted this trend, noting that Brighton’s initiative follows the example set by National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side Kansas City Current, which already operates a stadium built exclusively for its women’s team.
Another American club, Denver Summit, has announced plans to open a similar 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 the specific needs of women’s sport.
To see a club actually listening and investing at this level makes me incredibly proud. Growing up, I never imagined a purpose‑built stadium for women’s football would exist.
This is a game‑changer for attracting talent to the south coast." Kirby added that the new stadium will serve as a magnet for players and staff, saying, "If you want to compete at the highest level in Europe, you need world‑class facilities and a team environment that draws the best talent. A dedicated stadium does exactly that – it signals ambition and provides a home that players can truly be proud of." Manager Dario Vidosic echoed the excitement, remarking, "I wish I had a time‑machine to fast‑forward three years and see the finished stadium.
It’s thrilling to see Brighton pioneering standards for the women’s game and raising the bar so high. The prospect of playing in that environment gives the squad an extra boost, especially as we push through the final stages of the season.
We are extremely grateful to the club for making this happen." Beyond the immediate benefits for Brighton, the stadium is expected to have a ripple effect throughout women’s football in the UK. By demonstrating that a purpose‑built venue is both feasible and financially viable, the project could inspire other clubs to consider similar investments, ultimately helping to close the infrastructure gap between the men’s and women’s games. The stadium will also host community events, youth development programs, and potentially international fixtures, further embedding women’s football into the cultural fabric of the region. In summary, Brighton’s new stadium will stand as a landmark achievement: a 10,000‑seat, fully accessible arena designed specifically for female athletes and their supporters, funded by the club itself, and set to open by the 2030‑31 season.
It promises to elevate the profile of women’s football, provide a state‑of‑the‑art matchday experience, and serve as a blueprint for future projects across the sport.