Amex Stadium Brighton
Brighton & Hove Albion chairman Tony Bloom is setting ambitious goals for the club’s women’s team, aiming to enhance their status in the Women’s Super League (WSL) and the broader landscape of women’s football. Despite a challenging 1-0 defeat to European champions Arsenal, Bloom remains optimistic about the future, emphasizing the need for a dedicated stadium to support the growing fan base and the team’s aspirations.
Tony Bloom said: “We put a really tough target. It was before Manchester United were in the WSL. Women’s football is the fastest growing sport in the country. It’s going to continue to grow. I think if you look forward 10-15 years, women’s football will be significantly bigger, more popular and watched not just in this country, but around the world. So we want to be at the forefront of it. We don’t have another stadium outside of the Amex in the Brighton and Hove area to be able to play the games. Unfortunately, the Amex, as wonderful a stadium that it is, can’t host all the games because of conflicts with the Premier League schedule and it is too big a stadium. We play WSL games there sometimes because we want to play in Brighton, but having 4-6,000 in a 32,000-seater stadium isn’t great for atmosphere. So a designated stadium for women’s players, for the fan base, which is a very different demographic to people watching our men’s team, is vitally important to the football club and to the city.”
Bloom’s vision includes a new stadium specifically designed for the women’s team, addressing the unique needs of their fan base and enhancing the matchday experience. The current use of the Amex Stadium, while prestigious, presents challenges due to its size and scheduling conflicts with Premier League fixtures. A more appropriately sized venue would foster a better atmosphere and cater to the distinct demographic of women’s football supporters.
The location of the proposed stadium remains undecided, though potential sites near the Amex Stadium or in Lancing, where the women’s team previously played, are under consideration. This move would allow the club to leverage existing facilities like The Terrace, club shop, and hospitality lounges, enhancing the overall experience for fans and players alike.
Brighton & Hove Albion’s commitment to women’s football is further demonstrated by their record-breaking sale of 369 away tickets for the recent Arsenal match. As the team prepares for their next home game against Leicester City on November 16, the focus remains on building a sustainable and successful future for women’s football in the region.
About The Author
