Brighton & Hove Albion have unveiled detailed plans for what will become the United Kingdom and Europe’s inaugural stadium built specifically for women’s football. The project, which first received approval from the local council in October 2023, had been delayed for several years, but the club is now ready to move forward with construction. The new arena 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 pedestrian bridge will connect the two venues, allowing seamless movement between the main ground and the purpose‑built facility.
The design calls for a minimum capacity of 10,000 spectators, providing an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere for the women’s team and its supporters. Initially, Brighton hoped to have the stadium ready for the 2027/28 season.
However, realistic timelines now target an opening 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’ve 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 its own." Bloom continued, "Finding the perfect location took a lot of effort, but we finally have a site that works for the club, the community and future generations of players.
We believe passionately in women’s football – in Sussex, across the UK and around the world. Being the first dedicated stadium in the country raises the sport’s profile both domestically and internationally.
I’m proud that Brighton is leading the way and I can’t wait to see what the future holds." Funding for the development will come entirely from the club; Bloom confirmed that no external investors will be sought. Brighton’s chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber estimated the total cost at between £75 million and £80 million. He emphasized that the stadium will be designed with female athletes and their fans in mind, featuring custom changing rooms, recovery suites, a pitch layout optimised for women’s play, and catering options that cater to a diverse audience. Accessibility will be a priority, with family‑friendly entrances, wider concourses, and dedicated social spaces.
Barber explained, "We have generations of athletes ahead of us who deserve facilities that meet their specific needs. Men’s stadiums are fine for the men’s game, but they weren’t built with female athletes in mind. We are demanding the same high‑performance environment for the women’s side as we do for the men’s side." He added, "From a logistical standpoint, a purpose‑built stadium eliminates the current conflict where men’s fixtures take precedence because they generate more revenue. With our own venue, the women’s team can schedule matches without competing for dates, and the stadium will always be suited to their requirements." The initiative marks a watershed moment for the sport, as most women’s clubs currently share grounds with men’s teams, other sports, or occupy former men’s stadiums.
The concept has been examined in a recent Sky Sports documentary, which highlighted Brighton’s pioneering role alongside American clubs such as NWSL side Kansas City Current, which already enjoys a purpose‑built home, and Denver Summit, slated to open its own women’s stadium in 2028. Seagulls forward Fran Kirby praised the club’s commitment, noting that the new facilities could attract top talent to the south coast. In an interview with Sky Sports News she said, "We’ve been talking a lot about research into women’s injuries and sport science, but actually seeing a club that listens and invests in women’s football makes me proud to be here.
Growing up, I never imagined a stadium built just for us. It’s incredible." Kirby continued, "A dedicated stadium is a magnet for players, coaches and staff who want to be part of something special.
If you want to compete at the highest level – in the top four and in Europe – you need world‑class facilities and a team that can attract the best players. This stadium will be a huge part of that." Head coach Dario Vidosic echoed the enthusiasm, stating, "I wish I had a time‑machine to fast‑forward three years and see the finished stadium.
It’s exciting to be part of a club that is setting new standards for the women’s game. The new venue will give us an extra boost of energy, especially as we push through the final stages of the season. It’s a fantastic development for women’s football and we are extremely grateful to the club for making it happen." Beyond the immediate benefits for Brighton, the stadium is expected to have a ripple effect throughout the sport. By providing a venue that meets the specific physiological and social needs of female athletes – from locker room design to pitch dimensions and fan amenities – the club hopes to set a benchmark that other organisations will emulate.
The project also aligns with broader efforts to close the financial and infrastructural gap between men’s and women’s football, offering a tangible example of how investment can drive growth, improve player welfare, and enhance fan experience. In summary, Brighton & Hove Albion’s plan for a 10,000‑seat, purpose‑built women’s stadium represents a bold step forward for the game.
With a projected cost of up to £80 million, fully financed by the club, and a target opening by the 2030/31 season, the development promises state‑of‑the‑art facilities tailored to women athletes, greater scheduling autonomy, and a new focal point for fans. As the first of its kind in the UK and Europe, it is set to raise the profile of women’s football, inspire other clubs to follow suit, and provide a lasting legacy for future generations of players and supporters.