Brighton & Hove Albion have unveiled ambitious plans to construct the United Kingdom and Europe’s inaugural stadium built exclusively for women’s football. The project, originally granted planning permission by the local authority in October 2023, has experienced a series of delays that prevented immediate progress, but the club now confirms that construction will finally move forward.
The new venue will rise on the parcel of land known as Bennett’s Field, situated directly beside the club’s existing Amex Stadium and adjoining the East Stand. A purpose‑designed pedestrian bridge will link the two sites, allowing seamless movement between the main ground and the new arena. The stadium is slated to accommodate at least 10,000 spectators, providing a modern, intimate setting for the women’s side while also meeting the requirements of larger match‑day crowds. Initially, Brighton hoped to have the facility 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, 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.
Finding the perfect location took considerable effort, but we finally have it. This is a thrilling moment for the club and especially for the young players, as the stadium is built for them and for the generations that will follow.” Bloom emphasized the broader vision, stating, “We have a massive belief in women’s football, not only in Sussex but across the nation and worldwide.
Being the first purpose‑built stadium in the UK elevates the sport’s profile both domestically and abroad. I’m proud that Brighton is leading the way and I look forward to what the future holds.” The club’s chief executive and deputy chairman, Paul Barber, confirmed that the project will be financed without seeking external investors. Cost estimates place the development between £75 million and £80 million, a figure the club is prepared to meet through its own resources.
Barber highlighted that the stadium will be tailored specifically for female athletes and their supporters, featuring custom‑designed changing rooms, recovery suites, and pitch specifications, as well as family‑friendly amenities, wider concourses, and inclusive social spaces. “Future generations of athletes deserve facilities that are built with their needs in mind,” Barber said.
“Men’s stadiums are certainly fit for purpose, but they were not designed with female athletes or a different demographic in mind. We are demanding the same high‑performance environment for our women’s team as we do for the men’s side.” He added that the economic landscape of football currently favours the men’s game, often resulting in scheduling conflicts where the men’s fixtures take precedence because of higher revenue streams. A dedicated women’s stadium eliminates that dilemma, granting the women’s team full control over its match calendar and ensuring the venue is always suitable for their matches.
The initiative marks a historic milestone for women’s football, which has traditionally seen clubs sharing facilities with men’s teams, other sports, or occupying repurposed grounds. Brighton’s move follows similar steps taken by a few overseas clubs.
In the United States, National Women’s Soccer League side Kansas City Current already operates a purpose‑built stadium, and Denver Summit is planning to open its own women‑only arena in 2028. Brighton forward Fran Kirby praised the club’s commitment, noting that such infrastructure can attract top talent to the south coast. Speaking to Sky Sports News, Kirby said, “We’ve talked a lot about research into women’s injuries and the specifics of women’s sport, but to see a club actually listening and investing in the best possible facilities makes me proud to be here. Growing up, I never imagined a bespoke stadium for women’s football.
It’s incredible and it sends a strong signal to players and staff that we are serious about competing at the highest level, both domestically and in Europe.” Manager Dario Vidosic echoed the excitement, joking that he wished for a “fast‑forward” button to experience the new ground sooner. “It’s exhilarating to see the club pioneering standards for the women’s game. The stadium will give us an extra boost of energy, especially as we head into the crucial stages of the season. It’s a massive step forward for women’s football, and we are deeply grateful to the club for making it happen.” Beyond the immediate benefits for Brighton, the stadium is expected to serve as a benchmark for other clubs across the UK and Europe, demonstrating how dedicated facilities can enhance performance, fan engagement, and commercial opportunities for women’s football.
By providing a venue that meets the specific needs of female athletes—such as appropriately sized locker rooms, medical facilities focused on women’s health, and a fan experience designed for families and diverse audiences—the club hopes to set a new standard that encourages further investment in the women’s game. In summary, Brighton’s plan to build a 10,000‑seat, purpose‑built stadium on Bennett’s Field represents a bold step toward equality and growth in football. With a projected opening by the 2030/31 season, the club aims to deliver a world‑class home for its women’s side, bolster the sport’s visibility, and inspire other organisations to follow suit.
The project underscores Brighton’s commitment to fostering a thriving environment for women’s football, both on and off the pitch.