Full Breakdown
Brighton & Hove Albion to Build Europe’s First Women’s Stadium
4/28/2026, 11:16:04 PM
The Plan Unveiled
Brighton & Hove Albion announced plans for a purpose-built stadium for its Women’s Super League side at Bennett’s Field beside the Amex Stadium. The 10,000-seat ground will be linked to the men’s arena by a bridge walkway and include an underground car park. The club estimates a cost of £75-80 million and aims to open for the 2030-31 season, pending planning permission.
Context and Precedents
The UK has no stadium built solely for a professional women’s team. Globally only a few exist: Kansas City Current’s CPKC Stadium opened in 2024, Denver Summit’s venue is slated for 2028, and Portugal’s Braga opened a 2,500-seat ground in 2025. Most English WSL clubs still share men’s stadiums or use lower-league venues, making Brighton’s plan a regional first.
Project Overview
The design will feature female-specific changing rooms, recovery suites, breastfeeding and baby-changing facilities, and “buggy parks”. A spacious concourse will host social spaces. Managing Director Zoe Johnson, Chairman Tony Bloom and Chief Executive Paul Barber lead the project. Planning approval was granted in October 2023; a formal application is under review. The original 2027-28 opening target has moved to 2030-31.
Club Position and Expected Benefits
Brighton & Hove Albion describe the stadium as a permanent home for the women’s team, intended to boost elite player development and grow the fan base. The club says the venue will help the side compete consistently in the WSL and Europe, while creating construction jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities locally. Chairman Bloom called the project essential for growth; Barber highlighted “right-sizing” capacity to match sustainable fan expansion.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
The cost is cited as £75-80 million in some reports and £80 million in others. The opening date shifted from an initial 2027-28 target to 2030-31. While several sources claim the stadium will be one of only three purpose-built women’s venues worldwide, other accounts mention Braga’s 2,500-seat ground, implying a fourth. Final design details await planning approval.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is the kind of progress we have dreamed about for years.” — Fran Kirby, former England forward
- “Women’s managing director Zoe Johnson said, “The prospect of a bespoke stadium, built exclusively for women’s players, staff and supporters, is incredibly exciting.” — Zoe Johnson, Managing Director, Women’s & Girls’ Football
- “Brighton chairman and owner Tony Bloom said at a press conference: "I'm extremely excited.” — Tony Bloom, Chairman and Owner
What’s Next
The club will submit its planning application to Brighton & Hove City Council and Lewes District Council in the coming weeks. If approved, construction could start in 2027, with phased work aimed at a 2030-31 opening. The stadium is expected to set a benchmark for future WSL venues.
