Brighton fans received broad-based backing from supporters of other clubs in their fight to keep going. Unpopular owners saw them evicted from their Goldstone Ground. For a while they had to play home games at Gillingham, but the spirit was kept alive. However, the Withdean athletics stadium which they currently rent is one of the worst venues for away fans in the Football League. They are placed in a temporary stand, separated from the action by an athletics track. It won’t just be Brighton fans who are pleased when the new Falmer Stadium is
Brighton fans received broad-based backing from supporters of other clubs in their fight to keep going. Unpopular owners saw them evicted from their Goldstone Ground. For a while they had to play home games at Gillingham, but the spirit was kept alive. However, the Withdean athletics stadium which they currently rent is one of the worst venues for away fans in the Football League. They are placed in a temporary stand, separated from the action by an athletics track. It won’t just be Brighton fans who are pleased when the new Falmer Stadium is built.
The Seagulls had a big battle against ‘Nimbys’ to get planning permission to get the stadium built at all. The decision had to go right up to ministerial level and no doubt the nationwide support that Brighton’s fighting fans had generated helped to get matters sorted out. It was an exemplary fans’ campaign. The warmth of feeling for Brighton among Charlton fans led us to rush from Huddersfield to Rotherham to support them one Christmas time when the timing of the two matches made this just possible.
Work on construction of the 22,500 capacity community stadium at Falmer began in 2008. It should be ready for the 2011-12 season. The total cost will be £93m. Fortunately, Tony Bloom, the club chairman has paid for most of it with some government grants and assistance from the Football Foundation. Capacity could be expanded to 30,000 if the club gets back to the top flight which they would like to do.
The stadium design is totally different to that of many new stadiums, avoiding the blandness that is seen too often. It comprises two arches spanning the full length of the stadium, with the roof suspended underneath. It is bespoke in design, with the cyclindrical roofs intended to match the local landscape.