Brighton\u2019s plans to build Europe\u2019s first purpose-built women\u2019s stadium is the \u201ckind of progress we have dreamed about for years\u201d, the Brighton and former England forward Fran Kirby has said.<\/p>\n
The Women\u2019s Super League club have released the first images of the 10,000-capacity venue, which they hope to open in time for the 2030-31 season. Subject to receiving planning permission, the stadium would be directly adjacent to the Amex Stadium and would include an underground car park. Everything from the changing rooms to the concourse will be designed for female athletes and a WSL audience. The club say the design will be specifically \u201cwelcoming for families and first-time attendees\u201d with social spaces.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt also shows that Brighton & Hove Albion have the utmost respect for the women\u2019s game and the people within it,\u201d Kirby said. \u201cFor young players watching on, it makes them believe that this sport truly has a future where they belong.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the kind of progress we have dreamed about for years. The thought of walking into a stadium that has been designed for you will be revolutionary \u2013 it will change the way women\u2019s players prepare and perform.\u201d<\/p>\n
Globally only the NWSL side Kansas City, whose CPKC stadium opened in 2024, and Denver Summit, whose ground is being constructed with the aim of opening in 2028, have moved towards having purpose-built women\u2019s team stadiums prior to Brighton\u2019s announcement. Birmingham City have said they are planning to build a stadium for their women\u2019s team on the site of their proposed \u201csports quarter\u201d near to their proposed 62,000-seat men\u2019s stadium<\/a>.<\/p>\n Paul Barber, the club\u2019s chief executive and deputy chair, added: \u201c[This] is a powerful statement of our ambitions and will be integral to driving further momentum for the growth of women\u2019s and girls\u2019 football, not just in the UK but across the world.<\/p>\n Quick GuideWilliamson to extend Arsenal stayShow<\/p>\n Leah Williamson is set to sign a new contract with Arsenal, sources have confirmed, extending her time at the club that she first joined 20 years ago.<\/p>\n The 29-year-old England captain’s renewal, which was first reported by The Athletic on Tuesday, comes as a timely boost for the north London club as the Women’s Super League title run-in approaches and as they look forward to Saturday’s second leg of their European semi-final against French club OL Lyonnes.<\/p>\n Williamson helped Arsenal win the Champions League last season after first signing for Arsenal in 2006. It is understood her existing deal would have expired this summer. However, all parties have always been relaxed and confident about the prospect of the centre-back staying in north London and it has never felt likely that she would leave, because of the deep bond between club and player.<\/p>\n Earlier on Tuesday, the Australia defender Steph Catley signed a new contract of an undisclosed length. The 32-year-old defender’s previous deal was also understood to be set to expire this summer, but Arsenal’s backline for next season is now beginning to take shape. Tom Garry<\/p>\n Thank you for your feedback.<\/p>\n \u201cWith a capacity aligned to Women\u2019s Super League regulations, the stadium reflects our clear belief in \u2018right sizing\u2019 the stadium to grow the fan base sustainably. A stadium \u2018built for her\u2019 is not only a significant capital investment for the club but one which we know will also benefit the city and other areas around the stadium through the creation of local construction jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities for local people; further boosting the club\u2019s already significant contribution to the local economy, and at a time when there is a great deal of economic uncertainty.\u201d<\/p>\n