Brighton & Hove Albion have unveiled ambitious plans to construct the United Kingdom and Europe’s inaugural stadium designed solely for women’s football. The proposal, which received its first nod from the local council in October 2023, encountered a series of setbacks that delayed progress, but the club is now moving forward with the project. The new venue will rise on the site known as Bennett’s Field, a parcel of land that sits directly beside the club’s existing Amex Stadium, adjacent to the East Stand.
A dedicated pedestrian bridge will connect the two facilities, allowing seamless movement between the main ground and the purpose‑built arena. The stadium is slated to accommodate at least 10,000 spectators, providing a modern, intimate setting for the women’s side. Initially, Brighton hoped the stadium would be ready for the 2027‑28 season, but 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 incredibly thrilled. We have been discussing these ideas for a long time and we recognised the need to bring our women’s team back to Brighton in a venue that truly belongs to them.” Bloom continued, “Finding the perfect location took a great deal of effort, but we finally have a site that works for the club, the community and future generations of players. We are deeply committed to women’s football at the local, national and global levels.” He added that the stadium would be the first in the country to be purpose‑built for female athletes and their supporters, featuring custom‑designed changing rooms, recovery areas, pitch specifications, and catering options that reflect a more inclusive fan base.
Accessibility will be a priority, with family‑friendly entrances, wider concourses and dedicated social spaces. The club’s chief executive and deputy chairman, Paul Barber, confirmed that the project will be financed internally, with no external investors sought. He estimated the total cost at between £75 million and £80 million. Barber explained, “We are looking ahead to generations of athletes who deserve facilities that meet their specific needs.
Men’s stadiums are excellent for what they were built for, but they were never designed with female players in mind. Our women’s team deserves the same high‑performance environment as the men’s side.” Barber also highlighted the financial imbalance that currently favours the men’s game. “When fixtures clash, the men’s team usually takes priority because of the revenue it generates. A dedicated women’s stadium eliminates that conflict, allowing the women’s side to schedule matches without compromise and to play in a venue that is fully suited to them.” The development marks a watershed moment for the sport, as most women’s clubs today share grounds with men’s teams, other sports, or occupy former men’s facilities.
Brighton’s initiative follows a growing trend overseas. In the United States, National Women’s Soccer League side Kansas City Current already enjoys a purpose‑built stadium, and fellow NWSL club Denver Summit plans to open a similar venue in 2028.
Seagulls forward Fran Kirby praised the club’s commitment, telling Sky Sports News, “We have long spoken about research into women’s injuries and the specific needs of women’s sport. Seeing a club that truly listens and invests in a bespoke stadium makes me proud to be part of this project.” She reflected on her own upbringing, noting, “When I was a kid, I never imagined a stadium built just for women’s football.
This is incredible and will attract players, staff and supporters who want to be part of something groundbreaking.” Kirby added that such a facility is essential for competing at the highest level, especially as Brighton aims to break into the top four and secure European competition. Manager Dario Vidosic echoed the excitement, saying, “I wish I could fast‑forward three years to see the opening.
It’s thrilling to be part of a club that is setting new standards for the women’s game. The stadium will give the squad an extra boost of energy, particularly as we push through the final stages of the season.” Beyond the immediate benefits for the team, the stadium is expected to serve the wider community. Plans include flexible spaces that can host youth programmes, educational workshops and community events, reinforcing Brighton’s role as a hub for promoting gender equality in sport.
The design will incorporate sustainable building practices, aiming for a reduced carbon footprint and alignment with the club’s broader environmental goals. In summary, Brighton’s proposed stadium on Bennett’s Field will be a landmark facility that not only provides a state‑of‑the‑art home for the women’s team but also sets a precedent for how clubs across the UK and Europe can invest in the growth of women’s football. By delivering a venue tailored to the specific needs of female athletes and their supporters, the Seagulls hope to inspire other organisations to follow suit, ultimately elevating the profile and professionalism of the women’s game on a global scale.