Brighton & Hove Albion have announced plans to build Europe's first purpose-built women's football stadium, a 10,000-capacity venue adjacent to the Amex Stadium. The club hopes to open the new ground in time for the 2030-31 season, subject to planning permission.
Design and Features
The stadium will be designed specifically for female athletes and a Women's Super League audience, with features including an underground car park, tailored changing rooms, and social spaces intended to be welcoming for families and first-time attendees. The club emphasizes that the design is 'built for her,' aiming to create a revolutionary experience for players and fans alike.
Reactions from Players
Fran Kirby, Brighton and former England forward, expressed her excitement: 'This is the kind of progress we have dreamed about for years. The thought of walking into a stadium that has been designed for you will be revolutionary – it will change the way women's players prepare and perform.' She added that the plans show 'utmost respect for the women's game and the people within it.'
Global Context
Brighton's announcement follows similar moves by NWSL sides Kansas City (CPKC Stadium, opened 2024) and Denver Summit (aiming for 2028). Birmingham City have also proposed a women's stadium as part of a larger sports quarter. Paul Barber, Brighton's chief executive, described the project as 'a powerful statement of our ambitions' and highlighted its potential to boost the local economy through construction jobs and apprenticeships.
Brighton currently play at Crawley's Broadfield Stadium and sit sixth in the WSL table after a 3-2 win over Manchester City.
