Full Breakdown
Brighton & Hove Albion Unveils Plans for Europe’s First Purpose-Built Women’s Football Stadium
4/28/2026, 8:18:32 PM
Stadium Announcement: A New Home for the Women’s Team
Brighton & Hove Albion announced a plan to construct a purpose-built stadium for its women’s team on Bennett’s Field, directly adjacent to the American Express Stadium. The venue will accommodate at least 10,000 spectators and connect to the Amex via a pedestrian bridge.
Design & Capacity
The design follows a “built for her” approach, featuring bespoke changing and recovery rooms, breastfeeding suites, baby-changing areas, “buggy parks,” wider concourses and underground parking. The stadium’s minimum 10,000-seat capacity meets Women’s Super League standards; construction is estimated at £75-80 million, financed by owner Tony Bloom.
Leadership & Statements
Owner and chairman Tony Bloom, women’s and girls’ football managing director Zoe Johnson, Albion Women chair Michelle Walder and chief executive Paul Barber publicly champion the project. Bloom cites unprecedented local and international interest; Johnson stresses the stadium’s role in advancing domestic and European ambitions; Walder frames it as an ambitious statement of intent; Barber describes it as a powerful statement of ambition for women’s football worldwide.
Timeline & Planning
The club will submit a planning application to Brighton & Hove City Council and Lewes District Council. The target opening is the 2030-31 Women’s Super League season, a revision from earlier reports that mentioned a 2027-28 target.
Impact
Club officials expect the stadium to enhance recruitment of elite players, provide a dedicated venue for academy and development fixtures, and sustain fan-base growth. Construction is projected to generate local jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities, bolstering the regional economy.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the opening date, with some citing a 2027-28 target and later statements setting 2030-31 as the deadline. Cost estimates appear only in the Argus report; other sources omit financial details. Detailed design specifications beyond the “built for her” concept remain undisclosed.
What’s Next
The club will file the planning application, finalize design details and begin construction pending approval. Completion is slated for the 2030-31 season, after which the stadium will host Women’s Super League matches, academy fixtures and community events.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is something we are asked about constantly, and we have worked hard to reach this moment, so it is exciting now to share this news with the wider world.” — Zoe Johnson, Managing Director, Women’s and Girls’ Football
- “Chair of Albion Women Michelle Walder added, "We are determined to maintain the momentum built in recent years, not just nationally but here in the city.” — Michelle Walder, Chair, Albion Women
- “Chairman Tony Bloom said: “Since we announced our intention to build a stadium for the women’s team in Brighton and Hove, we have seen unprecedented interest locally, nationally and internationally.” — Tony Bloom, Chairman
- “ VP of Global Brand Sponsorships and Experiential Marketing at American Express Shiz Suzuki said, “We’re proud to work with partners across all our sports sponsorships who share our commitment of backing women athletes.” — Shiz Suzuki, VP of Global Brand Sponsorships, American Express
