Brighton announce plans for Europe’s first purpose-built women’s stadium
Brighton and Hove Albion have unveiled plans to construct Europe’s first purpose-built women’s football stadium, a 10,000-capacity venue adjacent to the Amex expected to open for the 2030-31 season.
The Seagulls aim to provide a permanent home and distinct identity for their female squad to drive long-term fan growth.
Currently, the team hosts the majority of their Women’s Super League fixtures at Crawley Town’s Broadfield Stadium, situated roughly 20 miles away.
A Global Benchmark
The proposed facility will be located at Bennett’s Field and connected to the club’s main Premier League ground via a dedicated bridge walkway.
With the planning application currently under way, executives hope the pioneering project will capture the imagination of stakeholders worldwide.
“The prospect of a bespoke stadium, built exclusively for women’s players, staff and supporters, is incredibly exciting,” said Zoe Johnson, the club’s managing director of women’s and girls’ football.
“It is a project that is the first of its kind in the UK and Europe, and one of only three in the world.”
Tailored for the Elite Athlete
Club officials have stressed that pitch standards, recovery spaces, and changing rooms will be specifically engineered to support elite female athletes.
The matchday experience is also being designed to be exceptionally welcoming for families and first-time attendees.
Planned concourse amenities include breastfeeding rooms, baby changing areas, buggy parks, and versatile social spaces for hosting events.
Johnson emphasised that the infrastructure will push forward the South Coast side’s ambitions to consistently compete for domestic honours and European qualification.
“We also hope the stadium can support academy and development fixtures, giving more of our younger players valuable experience of playing in a purpose-built stadium environment,” she added.
Bucking the Top-Flight Trend
The majority of English women’s teams are increasingly shifting their matches into the established stadiums of their affiliated men’s sides.
Reigning champions Chelsea recently made Stamford Bridge their permanent home, following similar venue changes by Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Leicester City.
However, the Sussex outfit’s new concept represents a distinct departure from this model by offering an exclusive, tailored arena for their squad.
Globally, the blueprint was first established in the United States when the Kansas City Current opened the bespoke CPKC Stadium two seasons ago.