Brighton & Hove Albion outline plans for a 10,000-seat venue dedicated to their women’s team, with a target opening of 2030/31 subject to planning approval.
Brighton & Hove Albion Women have confirmed plans to build what they describe as the first purpose-built women’s football stadium in the UK and Europe, marking a significant escalation in infrastructure investment across the women’s game.
The proposed 10,000-capacity venue will be located at Bennett’s Field, adjacent to the club’s existing American Express Stadium, and is targeted to open in time for the 2030/31 season, subject to planning approval from Brighton & Hove City Council and Lewes District Council.
In a statement today (28 April), the club stated the project would be one of only three purpose-built women’s football stadiums globally, positioning it as a flagship development within its wider 2030 strategy.
Unlike existing models that adapt men’s stadiums for women’s fixtures, Brighton’s proposal centres on a venue designed specifically around female athletes and supporters. Women’s managing director Zoe Johnson said the development “will capture the imagination of stakeholders across the women’s game” and support the club’s ambitions to compete consistently in the Women’s Super League and European competition.
The stadium will include tailored performance environments, including changing rooms and recovery facilities, alongside fan-focused features such as wider concourses, social spaces and an emphasis on family-friendly matchday experiences.
A bridge link connecting the new ground to the Amex is also planned, allowing operational integration across matchdays.
Investment reflects wider growth push
Chairman Tony Bloom described the project as a “significant further investment” in the club’s long-term vision for women’s football, citing growing interest from fans and stakeholders.
“We strongly believe it will strengthen our ability to attract elite talent, help develop our younger players for the future, support the growth of our fan base and create a genuine sense of belonging around the women’s game,” Bloom said.
The development builds on existing investment in the women’s programme, including facilities at the Elite Football Performance Centre in Lancing.
Chief executive Paul Barber added that the stadium’s 10,000 capacity reflects a “right sizing” approach aligned with Women’s Super League requirements, aiming to grow attendance sustainably rather than rely on larger, intermittently used venues.
A different model to stadium sharing
Brighton’s strategy contrasts with recent moves elsewhere in the Women’s Super League, where clubs have increasingly shifted fixtures to larger, established venues.
For example, Chelsea FC Women are set to play all home league games at Stamford Bridge, following a model already adopted by Arsenal Women at the Emirates Stadium.
This approach has delivered commercial upside in some cases. Arsenal generated €7m in matchday revenue after moving their women’s team to the Emirates, highlighting the potential of larger venues for high-demand fixtures.
However, the same analysis also points to operational risks. Hosting matches in large stadiums carries higher fixed costs, and attendance can fluctuate significantly depending on opposition and scheduling, raising questions about long-term sustainability.
Brighton’s purpose-built model appears designed to mitigate those risks, balancing capacity with consistent utilisation. Beyond matchday revenue, the club highlighted broader economic and community benefits, including local construction jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities.
Chair of Albion Women Michelle Walder framed the project as “an ambitious statement of intent” that could help establish Brighton as a global hub for the women’s game.
The club also pointed to the potential for academy and development fixtures to be hosted at the stadium, creating a clearer pathway from youth to first team within a dedicated environment.
American Express, the club’s long-standing partner and stadium sponsor, backed the plans, with VP of Global Brand Sponsorships Shiz Suzuki noting alignment with its commitment to supporting women’s sport.
