Falmer Stadium

The American Express Stadium, commonly known as the Amex, is the modern home of Brighton & Hove Albion FC, representing one of English football's great comeback stories. With a capacity of 31,800, this purpose-built arena opened in 2011, ending Brighton's decade-long exile from having a proper home ground. The stadium's sleek contemporary design, nestled in the South Downs National Park near the village of Falmer, combines environmental sensitivity with excellent matchday facilities and has witnessed Brighton's remarkable rise to become an established Premier League club.

Located on the outskirts of Brighton, approximately 4 miles from the city centre and accessible by dedicated train station, the Amex has become a symbol of Brighton's football renaissance. The stadium's unique location offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside whilst providing modern amenities and excellent sightlines from every seat. Whether watching the Seagulls compete against Premier League opposition or simply experiencing the passionate south coast atmosphere, the Amex delivers a thoroughly modern football experience comparable to newer venues like Tottenham Hotspur Stadium whilst retaining genuine community spirit. Anchored alongside other Premier League grounds such as Selhurst Park and St Mary's Stadium.

Brighton & Hove Albion's journey to the Amex is one of football's most remarkable stories — and one in which fans, not boardrooms, did most of the lifting. The club had played at the Goldstone Ground in Hove since 1902, but in 1996 the board sold the ground to property developers with no new stadium ready. The final game in April 1997 saw a pitch invasion, the goalposts being torn down, and supporters carrying turf from the centre circle as keepsakes. The club came within minutes of liquidation; only the "Fans United" movement of February 1997, when supporters of more than 70 clubs travelled to a single home match to keep Brighton alive, and a subsequent supporter buyout, prevented the club from disappearing entirely.

The Wilderness: Gillingham and Withdean

For two seasons Brighton played "home" games 75 miles away at Priestfield, Gillingham, then returned to the city to share the Withdean Stadium — an athletics venue in a residential area, with a running track separating fans from the pitch and a capacity of only 8,800. Players ran the gauntlet of nearby residents complaining about noise; goalkeepers warmed up next to javelin pits. The club spent 12 years there. The whole period coloured the club's identity and forged a community that was, in football terms, unusually politically organised: Brighton supporters won every public inquiry, every council vote, and every High Court challenge that came their way over the proposed new stadium.

Tony Bloom and the Path to Falmer

Local-born Tony Bloom, a professional poker player and gambling-industry founder, took control of the club in 2009 and immediately financed the Falmer Stadium project. Bloom — a Brighton fan since childhood — invested over £200 million of his own money into the stadium and the club, eventually creating one of the most data-led recruitment and coaching operations in world football through his Starlizard consultancy. Plans for the new stadium at Falmer had faced years of opposition and multiple public inquiries before finally receiving government approval in 2007. The location in the South Downs National Park required innovative environmental design from KSS Group, including a curved arc roof to minimise visual intrusion and a dedicated Falmer railway station built specifically to serve the ground.

Opening and Hughton's Promotion

The Amex opened on 30 July 2011 with a friendly against Tottenham Hotspur. After 14 years of struggle, Brighton finally had a proper home, and attendances quickly tripled. Chris Hughton delivered promotion to the Premier League in 2017 — the club's first top-flight football for 34 years — and the Amex hosted Premier League football for the first time in August that year.

The Potter Revolution

Graham Potter's arrival from Östersund in 2019 began a period of transformation. Potter's brand of build-from-the-back football, combined with Brighton's data-led recruitment, made the Amex a destination for European progressive coaches and players. Yves Bissouma, Leandro Trossard, Marc Cucurella, Alexis Mac Allister, Moisés Caicedo, Kaoru Mitoma and many others passed through the side, the club's profit-from-trading model fundamental to the operating philosophy. Potter departed for Chelsea in September 2022.

De Zerbi, Europe and Hürzeler

Roberto De Zerbi took the job ten days later and pushed the football further still — Brighton finished 6th in 2022-23, qualifying for the UEFA Europa League for the first time in the club's history. The 2023-24 European campaign produced famous nights against AEK Athens, Marseille and Ajax, ultimately ending in a knockout-stage exit to Roma. De Zerbi left for Marseille in summer 2024; Fabian Hürzeler — at 31 the youngest manager in Premier League history at the time of appointment — took over and has kept Brighton in the top half of the division. Plans to expand the Amex beyond 35,000 capacity, and to build a permanent connecting public art route through the South Downs from the station to the stadium, are under active development.

How to Get Brighton Tickets

There are three main ways to attend a Brighton match at the Amex:

1. Official Club Tickets (Best Value)

Purchase directly from brightonandhovealbion.com. Tickets go on sale to members first, with general sale approximately 2-3 weeks before matches. Prices range from £35 (upper corners) to £75 (West Stand central). Membership (from £25) provides priority access.

⚠️ Note: Brighton's Premier League success has increased demand. High-profile matches may require membership for ticket access.

2. Official Hospitality (Guaranteed Access)

Brighton offer hospitality packages guaranteeing tickets:

• 1901 Club - Premium matchday experience from £150+
• Platinum Experience - Elite dining and viewing from £175+
• Executive Boxes - Private suite experience for groups

Book through brightonandhovealbion.com/hospitality.

3. Third-Party Platforms (Sold-Out Matches)

When official tickets sell out, established platforms offer alternatives:

• LiveFootballTickets - Premier League specialists
• SeatPick - Comparison platform

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Stadium Tours

The Amex offers behind-the-scenes stadium tours throughout the season.

What You'll See

• Home and away dressing rooms where Premier League players prepare
• Tunnel area walking out as players do on matchdays
• Pitch-side access standing on the touchline with South Downs views
• Press conference room where managers face the media
• Directors' box and hospitality areas
• Trophy displays celebrating Brighton's rise

Practical Details

• Duration: Approximately 75-90 minutes
• Schedule: Tours run on non-matchday dates throughout the season
• Price: Adults from £15, concessions available
• Accessibility: Tours are wheelchair accessible

Booking

• GetYourGuide - Stadium tours
• Viator - Tour experiences

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Quick Tips

• Book early: Top-six matches and derbies sell quickly
• Membership: Worth considering for regular attendance
• Transport: Use Falmer station - purpose-built for the stadium
• City exploration: Allow time to explore Brighton before/after

Best Seats at the Amex Stadium

The Amex offers excellent views throughout thanks to its modern design. Here's the comprehensive guide to seating options.

North Stand (Home End)

The home of Brighton's most vocal supporters. This large single-tier stand behind the goal generates the majority of atmosphere, with the Seagulls' faithful creating a wall of noise. Prices typically £35-55 for Premier League games. Perfect for experiencing the passionate Brighton support, though views are end-on.

East Stand

Two tiers along the touchline offering excellent views. Lower Tier provides proximity to the action (£45-70). Upper Tier offers panoramic perspectives across the pitch (£40-60). Central sections are premium whilst corners offer better value. Contains hospitality areas and executive facilities.

West Stand

Opposite the East Stand with similar two-tier configuration. Lower Tier Central sections offer outstanding views (£50-75). Upper tier provides elevated vantage points. Houses directors' box, press facilities, and primary hospitality suites. Premium pricing reflects excellent location.

South Stand (Away End)

Allocated to visiting supporters, this stand mirrors the North Stand. Away allocation varies by demand. Home fans may be allocated sections for lower-demand matches. Generates good away support atmosphere for bigger clubs.

VIP & Hospitality

Brighton offer various hospitality options primarily in the West and East Stands. Platinum Experience provides premium matchday dining from £175+. Directors' Box offers elite-level hospitality. Executive Boxes available for groups.

Accessibility

The Amex provides excellent accessible facilities with wheelchair platforms in all stands. Ambulant disabled seating available with companion tickets. Accessible toilets throughout, audio-descriptive commentary available. Dedicated accessible entrance and parking. Contact Brighton's accessibility team when booking.

Pro Tips

• Best atmosphere: North Stand with the vocal home support
• Best views: West Stand Lower Tier central sections
• Family area: Designated sections in East Stand
• Away fans: South Stand allocation
• Photography: Upper tiers offer excellent angles of both pitch and South Downs backdrop

A matchday at the Amex captures the spirit of Brighton — progressive, passionate, and thoroughly modern, with the unique backdrop of the South Downs adding to the experience. Most supporters travel out from the city centre by train, which makes the Brighton-to-Falmer journey itself a kind of pre-match ritual: the 8-minute service runs every five minutes on matchdays, with Albion songs starting somewhere around the second carriage as Falmer comes into view.

What to Bring

⚠️ Important: Brighton operates standard Premier League security. Bags larger than A4 size (21cm x 30cm) are subject to restrictions. Prohibited items include large backpacks, umbrellas, professional cameras, selfie sticks, and alcohol. Recommended items: match ticket (mobile preferred), phone, wallet, layers for coastal weather (it can be markedly windier on the Downs than at the seafront). Arrive 45-60 minutes before kickoff for smooth entry.

Pre-Match (2-3 hours before)

The Amex's location means pre-match options are different from city-centre stadiums — almost everyone drinks in Brighton itself before catching the train. The Evening Star on Surrey Street, immediately outside Brighton station, is the cult choice for craft beer and real ale and fills with home supporters from late morning on a 3pm Saturday. The Cricketers in the Lanes — Brighton's oldest pub, dating to 1547 — is the heritage choice. The Bath Arms in the same area is the long-standing Albion supporters' pub with a strong rotation of Sussex-brewed Harveys ales. The North Laine area (Trafalgar Street, Sydney Street) has a high concentration of bars and craft-beer outlets: The Mash Tun and Brighton Beer Dispensary are the regulars. For a more food-led pre-match, The Coal Shed on Boyces Street is the city's go-to grill and one of the better pre-match Saturday lunches. Dick's Bar at the stadium itself is the main on-site hub for home supporters; the family fan zone outside the West Stand opens 90 minutes before kickoff with food trucks and live music. Village Way around the stadium has additional food vendors.

Inside the Stadium

Gates typically open 90 minutes before kickoff. The North Stand leads the singing, with 'Sussex by the Sea' — adopted from the regimental march of the Royal Sussex Regiment — booming around the ground in the minutes before kickoff and an extensive collection of De Zerbi-era European chants now in regular rotation. The compact, modern design means sound carries well between stands. The South Downs backdrop, especially under floodlights, adds a unique visual element to the matchday experience.

Food & Drink

Concessions offer traditional matchday fare plus some local options including Harveys Sussex bitter on the concourse pours. Expect £4-6 for food items and £5-6 for drinks. Quality is above average for Premier League venues. Dick's Bar offers pre-match and post-match options including views over the Downs.

After the Match

Post-match, most fans head back to Falmer station for the short journey to Brighton. Trains can be very crowded immediately after — consider waiting 20-30 minutes for the rush to clear, or take a walk through the Stanmer Park approach to Lewes Road for the bus. Brighton's nightlife is one of the best on the south coast: The Lanes and North Laine for casual restaurants and pubs; Edge of the Lanes and The Coal Shed for a more elaborate dinner; Kemptown for the city's famous LGBTQ+ bar scene.

International Visitor Tips: Brighton is easily reached from London (60 minutes by train from Victoria or London Bridge) and has excellent connections to Gatwick Airport (30 minutes). The city is famous for its Royal Pavilion — George IV's Indo-Saracenic seaside palace and one of England's most unusual buildings — the i360 viewing tower, the historic Brighton Pier, and the Lanes antique-shopping warren. Combine football with exploring one of England's most distinctive cities.

Where to Stay for the Amex Stadium

Brighton City Centre (Recommended)

Search hotels in Brighton City Centre

Most visitors stay in Brighton city centre and use the excellent train connection to Falmer (every 5 minutes on matchdays, 8 minutes journey). This provides access to Brighton's famous nightlife, beach, and attractions, and means your hotel is just minutes from the station.

Hotel du Vin Brighton (Ship Street, city centre)

Stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Brighton near the Lanes, occupying a converted set of Gothic Revival buildings. Wine-themed décor, an excellent French bistro, and the most reliably characterful matchday hotel in the city. Six-minute walk to Brighton station.

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The Grand Brighton (King's Road, seafront)

Brighton's most famous hotel, the Victorian seafront landmark that survived the 1984 IRA bombing of the Conservative Party conference. Luxurious rooms, sea views, spa, and the city's standout afternoon tea. A special-occasion option combining football with coastal grandeur. 10-minute walk to the station.

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Leonardo Royal Brighton (formerly Jurys Inn) (Stroudley Road, city centre)

Large modern hotel directly adjacent to Brighton station — the most convenient matchday-logistics pick in the city. Comfortable rooms, bar, restaurant, and almost zero walking required between hotel, station, and ground.

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Premier Inn Brighton City Centre (North Street) (city centre)

The reliable budget pick in the most central position. Five-minute walk to the station via the Lanes; bus routes to Falmer also pass the door.

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Boutique and Seafront

Artist Residence Brighton (Regency Square)

Boutique hotel in a Regency townhouse with hand-painted murals and individual character. Quirky décor, an excellent restaurant (The Set), and seafront views from some rooms. Particularly popular with weekenders combining the match with a Saturday-evening dinner.

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Drakes Brighton (Marine Parade)

A discreet Regency boutique on the seafront a kilometre east of the Pier. The acclaimed Drakes Restaurant has a small but exceptional menu. Best for two-night stays where the match is one part of a longer Brighton break.

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The Old Ship Hotel (King's Road)

Brighton's oldest hotel (1559) on the seafront. Long-standing four-star with traditional rooms and a popular ground-floor bar. The historical alternative to The Grand.

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Near the Stadium

Search hotels near Falmer

Accommodation immediately near the stadium is limited — the location is on the edge of the South Downs, surrounded by university buildings and protected countryside.

University of Sussex campus accommodation (during holidays)

Some campus accommodation available during university breaks. Walking distance to the stadium. Genuinely budget-only.

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Our Recommendation

Stay in Brighton city centre — the city offers outstanding restaurants, bars, and the famous beach. The train to Falmer takes just 8 minutes, making city-centre accommodation the most practical and enjoyable option.

Hotel du Vin offers the best blend of boutique style and location. The Grand is perfect for special occasions. Leonardo Royal next to the station is the most matchday-efficient choice for those prioritising convenience. Artist Residence is the standout for design and atmosphere.