The Amex
The Amex, officially called the American Express Community Stadium, or colloquially Falmer Stadium, is the home of Brighton & Hove Albion FC. The stadium has a capacity of 22,500 seats.
The Amex officially opened on the 30th of July 2011 with a friendly match between Brighton and Tottenham Hotspur (2-3). Construction of the stadium had started in 2009, however the first plans for a new stadium were made as early as 1998.
From 1902 Brighton had been playing its home matches at Goldstone Ground, however after the stadium and land were sold by former chairman Bill Archer in 1995, the club became homeless. After a two season groundhare with Gillingham at their Priestfield Stadium, the club moved to the Withdean Stadium, an athletics stadium in Brighton that, though it was upgraded, lacked the modern facilities for League football.
After the first plans for a new stadium were presented it took the club until 2007 to get a planning permission, due to various legal challenges. Groundwork subsequently began in 2008. In 2010 the club confirmed a naming rights sponsor deal with American Express.
The stadium is designed to allow for an easy capacity increase to 30,000 seats. In December 2011 Brighton stated their intention to make use of this option, and announced to file a building application to Brighton’s city council.
Getting there
The Amex is located in the north-east of Brighton, near the University of Sussex campus, about 4 kilometres from Brighton’s main rail station, and slightly more from Brighton’s seafront with its pier.
The stadium lies just south of the A27 motorway. Take the exit toward the B2123 Falmer.
Falmer Rail Station lies practically adjacent to the stadium. Trains from Brighton Rail Station leave every 10 to 20 minutes for the 10-minute journey.
Alternatively, bus 25 can be used to reach the stadium. Take the bus on Western Road in Brighton’s centre, in the direction of Universities. The ride from the centre to stop Falmer Station takes about 20 minutes.
Address: Village Way, Brighton, BN1 9BL
Tickets
Tickets for Brighton matches can be bought online, by phone +44 (0) 844 327 1901, or in person at the Albion Ticket Office at the stadium or the Club Store at 128 Queens Road in Brighton’s city centre.
No tickets are sold at the stadium on the day of the match. Tickets cost £30.00.
Stadium tours
The club organises guided stadium tours that include access to the hospitality lounges, trophy room, directors lounge, changing rooms, press areas, and dugouts. The tours last about 120 minutes.
Tours run every Thursday (except matchdays) at 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm, and cost £10.00.
Bookings can be made by email stadiumtours@bhafc.co.uk , phone +44 (0) 845 8730251, at the Club Store at Queens Road, or at the Amex Stadium. Each tour is limited to 15 participants.
Relevant Internet links:
Seagulls.co.uk – Official website of Brighton & Hove Albion FC.
Visitbrighton.com – Brighton tourist information and tourism guides.
Buses.co.uk – Brighton bus travel information.
Keep up to date with the latest stadium news by following @stadiumguide on Twitter (all updates) or liking our Facebook page (occasional updates). 
