Brighton & Hove Albion have announced ambitious plans to construct the United Kingdom and Europe's inaugural stadium built exclusively for women's football. The project, which received its initial green light from the local council in October 2023, faced a series of setbacks that delayed progress, but the club is now moving forward with a clear timetable. The new venue will rise on a parcel of land known as Bennett's Field, situated directly beside the existing Amex Stadium and adjacent to its East Stand.
A purpose‑designed pedestrian bridge will connect the two facilities, allowing seamless movement between the men's and women's grounds. The stadium is slated to accommodate at least 10,000 spectators, offering a modern, intimate atmosphere 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, revised estimates now target a launch no later than the start of the 2030/31 campaign, giving the club additional time to perfect the design and secure funding.
Chairman and owner Tony Bloom addressed the media, expressing his enthusiasm: "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 proper home. We worked tirelessly to locate the perfect site, and this is a thrilling moment for the club, the players and the generations that will follow." Bloom emphasized the broader significance of the project, stating, "Being the first purpose‑built stadium for women’s football in the UK raises the sport’s profile both domestically and internationally.
I’m proud that Brighton is leading the way and I look forward to the future it will create." The club has decided not to seek external investors for the development. Instead, Brighton’s chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber confirmed that the stadium will be financed internally, with construction costs estimated between £75 million and £80 million. What sets this arena apart is its design philosophy, which places female athletes and their fans at the centre of every decision. The blueprint includes custom‑fitted changing rooms, state‑of‑the‑art recovery suites, and pitch specifications that meet the specific demands of women’s football.
Moreover, the venue will feature family‑friendly access points, expansive concourses, and social spaces that encourage a more inclusive match‑day experience. Barber explained the rationale: "Future generations of athletes deserve facilities built for them. While men’s stadiums are certainly functional, they were not conceived with female players in mind.
We are demanding the same high‑performance standards from the women’s side as we do from the men’s side. Providing top‑tier facilities is logical – we have already upgraded the training ground, so the stadium should follow suit." He also highlighted the financial realities that currently skew resources toward the men’s game: "When fixture dates clash, the men’s team usually takes precedence because of the revenue it generates.
A dedicated women’s stadium eliminates that conflict, allowing the women’s side to play on a venue that meets their specific requirements without compromise." The creation of a stand‑alone women’s stadium marks a historic milestone. Most clubs around the world still share facilities with men’s teams or repurpose older grounds. Brighton’s initiative mirrors recent developments in the United States, where National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) clubs such as Kansas City Current have already opened purpose‑built homes, and Denver Summit plans to debut its own venue in 2028.
Seagulls forward Fran Kirby praised the club’s commitment, telling Sky Sports News, "We’ve talked a lot about research into women’s injuries and sport, but to see a club actually listening and investing in the best possible environment makes me proud. Growing up, I never imagined a stadium designed just for women’s football – it’s incredible." Kirby added that the new stadium will serve as a magnet for talent: "When you want to compete at the top of Europe, you need facilities that attract the world’s best players.
A dedicated stadium sends a clear message that Brighton is serious about winning and about supporting women’s football at the highest level." Manager Dario Vidosic echoed the excitement, saying, "I wish I had a time‑machine to fast‑forward three years and see the finished stadium. It’s thrilling to be part of a club that is setting new standards for the women’s game. The prospect of playing in such a venue gives the squad extra energy, especially as we finish this season. We are grateful to the club for making this vision a reality." In summary, Brighton & Hove Albion’s proposed stadium on Bennett’s Field will be the first of its kind in the UK, offering a capacity of at least 10,000, bespoke facilities for female athletes, and a fan‑centric design that promotes inclusivity.
The project underscores the club’s long‑term commitment to elevating women’s football, providing a template for other organisations to follow, and promising to enhance the sport’s stature both nationally and across Europe.