Brighton and Hove Albion to build Europe's first purpose-built women's football stadium

Brighton and Hove Albion have announced plans to build the first purpose-built women's football stadium in Europe.

The Women's Super League club said work is under way on a planning application for the new stadium at Bennett's Field, adjacent to the men's team's Amex Stadium.

Sitting sixth in the WSL, Brighton and Hove Albion currently use Broadfield Stadium as their home ground, along with men's League Two club Crawley Town FC.

Plans for the women's football stadium include a minimum capacity of 10,000, underground parking, and a bridge linking it to the Amex.

The club added that the stadium is to be "designed around the needs of female athletes and the distinct needs and culture of the women's game".

It said: "From pitch standards and performance environments such as changing rooms and recovery spaces, every element of the new stadium will support elite female players."

Brighton said on their website that they want the women's stadium to open "no later than the 2030/31 season, subject to planning approvals".

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Brighton forward Fran Kirby said: "I never believed anyone would do something like this for women's football when I was growing up, so to have a bespoke stadium is incredible."

She added that "to have a purpose-built stadium just for women, that's definitely an attraction for players" as the club hopes to qualify for European competition.

'One of only three' women's stadiums

Zoe Johnson, the club's women's managing director, added on Brighton's website that "the prospect of a bespoke stadium, built exclusively for women's players, staff and supporters, is incredibly exciting".

She noted that it would be "one of only three in the world", and added: "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.

"It will help us push forward our ambitions to compete consistently both domestically in the Women's Super League, and also in European club competition, while helping us to attract key staff and grow a passionate fanbase.

"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."

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Tony Bloom, club chairman, added: "A women's stadium in the city is essential to the continued growth of the team.

"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 fanbase and create a genuine sense of belonging around the women's game."

(c) Sky News 2026: Brighton and Hove Albion to build Europe's first purpose-built women's football stadium