http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/southern_counties/4319026.stm

Good one is what I say, no Football Club should be homeless.

Fantastic news for the club and the city!
6 years without a proper ground and 5 years of hard work by all those involved has finally paid off, Brighton & Hove Albion expect to move into the new Falmer stadium at the beginning of the 2008/2009 season.

So the stadium will be built within 2 and a bit years :banana:

Hooray for stadium development in the UK

Hoorah!

http://stadiony.net/projects/falmer_stadium/falmer_stadium02.jpg

http://stadiony.net/projects/falmer_stadium/falmer_stadium01.jpg

I like the design alot - good news :cheers:

Great stadium -- love the way they've cut it into the ground.

Kind of feel sorry though for the people living nearby, they're probably gonna get swamped with traffic every match. As it is, that junction with the A27 can be a nightmare at peak times.

http://stadiony.net/projects/falmer_stadium/falmer_stadium03.jpg

From the BBC: "The development includes a club shop, coach and bus facilities and other transport links, plus shared use of existing car parking space at the University of Sussex."

So, does that mean that the University of Sussex will be able to use the one at Falmer stadium too? When I was last there, unless you found a spot on campus early in the morning it was absolute chaos; when it was full, in desperation, people would park at 45-degree angles on grass banks. Hmm, wonder why they don't just take the train.

http://www.kssgroup.com/uimages/3_KSS_BHAFC%201.jpg http://www.kssgroup.com/uimages/KSS_BHAFC%203.jpg http://www.kssgroup.com/uimages/KSS_BHAFC%202.jpg

it's refreshing to see a 20,000 - 30,000 seater with an original design, as opposed to just another one of these prefab bowls. i love it. it reminds me of the reebok in the sense that it dares to be different for its size. i wonder, though, if it leaves any room for possible future expansion?

it's been a long and worrying wait for brighton fans. they deserve it.

Great News, yet another superb new UK stadium :okay:

i'm sure it'll be competing to host england under-21 games, that sort of thing. perfect size for it, modern facilities, striking design.

About time, Prescott hang your head in shame.

its a nice looking stadium but its built on the south downs, so im not sure this is the right location. but yes congratulations anyway.

looks like Portsmouths Fratton Park 'stadium' will be even more of a laughing stock once this gets built. we'll be competing with basingstoke town for the title of southern englands most hopeless football ground. :rant:

Its not like they had much choice though, the only way they could find a plot big enough for a decent sized stadium after selling their ground was in the south downs...

its a nice looking stadium but its built on the south downs, so im not sure this is the right location. but yes congratulations anyway.

looks like Portsmouths Fratton Park 'stadium' will be even more of a laughing stock once this gets built. we'll be competing with basingstoke town for the title of southern englands most hopeless football ground. :rant:

true about it.

when they first came out with the idea of turning the pitch 90 degrees and rebuilding the whole thing i had high hopes for this one, but when i saw the plans, well, it looks a bit shit, doesn't it? just an uninspiring, architecturally inconsistent, half-arsed bowl (a bit like elland road):


the new fratton park (initial capacity of 28,000, rising to 35,000 at a later stage):
http://files.blog-city.com/files/aa/38442/p/f/new_pfc_4.jpg

http://files.blog-city.com/files/aa/38442/p/f/new_pfc_2.jpg

other south-coast stadiums:

southampton's st. mary's (32,000):
http://www.mrs-hampshire.org.uk/images/aerial%20view%20stadium.jpg


plymouth's home park, three-quarters of which has in recent years been rebuilt (21,000):
http://www.lutonfc.com/images/guide_plymouth_argyle-ground.JPG

They ought to name it after Mike Mendoza

Tbh 'an uninspiring, architecturally inconsistent, half-arsed bowl' is what makes a stadium interesting and gives it character!
I'm certainly proud to have one of those reather than a McBowl.

Of course, once we can get a hold of some money to make the John Charles Stand match the east, and possibly even the same with the Revie stand, then we wont have a half bad stadium :okay:

true about it.

when they first came out with the idea of turning the pitch 90 degrees and rebuilding the whole thing i had high hopes for this one, but when i saw the plans, well, it looks a bit shit, doesn't it? just an uninspiring, architecturally inconsistent, half-arsed bowl (a bit like elland road):


the new fratton park (initial capacity of 28,000, rising to 35,000 at a later stage):
http://files.blog-city.com/files/aa/38442/p/f/new_pfc_4.jpg

http://files.blog-city.com/files/aa/38442/p/f/new_pfc_2.jpg

Brighton stadium bid in new doubt (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brighton/4887532.stm)

:(

and so it goes on...

Delay for football stadium ruling (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/sussex/6269480.stm)

I had forgotten about this!
What are the odds on this getting built?

Brighton's stadium gets go-ahead (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/sussex/6912998.stm)

Another legal fight will be put up by the opposition though.

I've got to say Hazel Blears is doing well so far - a damn site better than Ruth Kelly.

SEAGULLS! SEAGULLS! SEAGULLS!

Over the bloody moon! Now got to hope there aren't any more nimby arses in rural Sussex prepared to ruin everything for all Brightonians.

bbc south today reporting that lewis district council will not appeal. Looking like its really going to happen.

LDC: No Legal Challenge (http://www.seagulls.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/LatestDetail/0,,10433~1081832,00.html)

http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/3417/71619832cz2.jpg

http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/6281/falmerstadium02ia3.jpg

Lovely stadium, well done, finally!

Very nice. Is there a train station nearby?

Is that a turfed roof?

Very nice. Is there a train station nearby?

If its being built next to Sussex University which I think it is, then yes there is a train station nearby.

Is that a turfed roof?

Yes the ground will be built in a valley and have grass roofs to fit in with the surroundings.

http://stadiony.net/projects/falmer_stadium/falmer_stadium01.jpg

I love the design of the new stadium, this is such excellent news for all seagulls fans and indeed the people of Brighton.

The stadium will be located right next to Brighton and Sussex uni campuses where there are very frequent bus and train services from Falmer station.

Falmer objectors abandon battle (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/sussex/6947940.stm)

Two key groups opposed to the building of Brighton and Hove Albion's new stadium at Falmer have said they will not issue any further legal challenges...

It will be interesting to see what happens with the design process. The above image is now 6 years old (yes that is how long the planing process took) and as such may not figure. I certainly hope they go for something similar; i'd be distraught if we got a St. Mary's, Pride Park, Riverside etc job!

Here is a more recent render of the stadium which I came across on another thread. Looks really great IMO, I especially like the glass bridge linking the stadium with another building on the left. :)

http://xs224.xs.to/xs224/08073/falmerstadiumnew441.jpg

This looks great. Can't wait to visit. I would like to see a few internal shots as well though.
Fairplay to Brighton in using some innovation.
Have to say though, the people walking around the stadium seem to be 3 times as big as the players on the pitch! I realise the players are further away and lower down, but surely it's still not scaled correctly?

i'm not so sure about the turf roof on the stadium but could be interesting when completed. very nice ground, can't wait to see it when completed

Have to say though, the people walking around the stadium seem to be 3 times as big as the players on the pitch! I realise the players are further away and lower down, but surely it's still not scaled correctly?

Maybe the ground is hosting the International World Dwarven Football Championship? :)

What's the actual status of this anyway - I know it's been approved, but have they started actually building this yet?

:lol: Would make a good spectacle Dronk.
But the other way round....dwarf spectators - would get a million in Wembley

edit.

Fans have been given a preview of how Brighton and Hove Albion FC's new 22,000-seater stadium will look.

Bosses unveiled the latest images of the club's planned £50m Falmer Stadium in East Sussex at a special fans forum.

Chief Executive Martin Perry said the plans had been updated to meet new legal requirements and included "more and better" provision for the disabled.

He said the stadium was due to open in time for the 2010/11 season and site work would begin at the end of 2008.

Season ticket holders will be given special hard hat visits to allow them to select their seats nearer the completion date.

Mr Perry said: "It's obviously a very exciting time for the club. There was the fans forum last week where they were shown these new images and shown what's coming.

"We have updated the design. There has been major legislation in the last eight years and the plans meet the requirements.

He added: "Everything is on track but there is an awful lot to do. We want to be on site by the end of the year, that's the target."

Chief Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Hazel Blears gave the project planning approval in July 2007.

The League One side, who currently play at the Withdean Stadium, have been without a permanent home since 1997.

The planning application for a new ground on land north of Village Way, in Falmer, has been through two public inquiries.

It was opposed by some residents, Falmer Parish Council, Lewes District Council and conservation groups, due to its proximity to the South Downs, an Area of Outstanding beauty.

BBC. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/sussex/7280962.stm)


http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44472000/jpg/_44472608_falmerstadium203.jpg

http://www.seagulls.premiumtv.co.uk/javaImages/e/b8/0,,10433~3586062,00.jpg

Hmmmm, quirky but nice...

Main stand reminds me of the west stand at Chelski.

I think this is a great stadium design, so glad they didn't go down the road of the identikit stadia that have been built in last 10 years or so. I hope this encourages more teams to build different types of football grounds. Can it be expanded at all?

PDF file with all the relevant information;
http://www.seagulls.premiumtv.co.uk/staticFiles/37/dd/0,,10433~122167,00.pdf

tender documents sent to a shortlist of three major building contractors
announcement on who will build the stadium to be made in september
work expected to begin on site in december
confident of financing


http://www.seagulls.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Stadium/0,,10433~1327533,00.html

I think the grass roof has been droped.

http://www.seagulls.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Stadium/0,,10433~1394846,00.html

When will construction start?

About time, Prescott hang your head in shame.

May I propose the John Prescott toilet block when the stadium is opened? It certainly sums up his ridiculous performance on this issue.

Great to see that work has now started.

yep, looks like this is go, u/c, w/ mention of a progress webcam (ooo!): http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/Stadium/0,,10433~1474704,00.html

new pics: http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/Gallery/0,,10433~1403213,00.html

I was looking at those pics yesturday Noostairz and i have to say the gaps in the corners between the stands, the height of the roof and the blank wall behind the stands (especialy in the first pic) is going to make this a bit of a rubbish stadium for atmosphere.

thought the same thing, pompey. seems like we've gone from sleek design with interesting featuers (like that original idea of grass sweeping up the roof, marrying the stadium with its surroundings) to... one disproportionately big stand stood alone next to a few smaller disconnected ones, under an okay roof. average, which is a shame because it promised much more, and it's been such a long time coming.

edit: actually i'm being unfair, it's better than average, just not great. still, it's not like they're swimming in money is it.

is this stadium expandable??

22,000 is too small for brighton if they ever got back to the promise land!

http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/Gallery/0,,10433~1403213,00.html

I'm not sure about atmosphere being poor, it has curved roofs and it's closed which helps the atmosphere quite a bit.

Personally, I still like the stadium design and it would have been very easy to have gone for a stadium midway between Doncaster and Derby, but having a main stand and the 'wave' style roof makes it a cut above any other current design. Plus, the exterior looks different and very tidy.

activity on-site. (http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/Gallery/0,,10433~1548131,00.html)

I was wondering if this was ever going to happen!

Stadium Funding Secured (http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/Latest/0,,10433~1661154,00.html)

That is brilliant news!

This project has been going on for so long, the fans must be dancing the streets. Will be the best stadium outside of the Premier League, apart from St. James park!

That is brilliant news!

This project has been going on for so long, the fans must be dancing the streets. Will be the best stadium outside of the Premier League, apart from St. James park!

What??
Wouldn't even be in the running for best stadium outside the championship with the likes of Elland Rd, The Valley and stadium:MK in league one....

That's not to say I don't like it though. Good news on the funding.

What??
Wouldn't even be in the running for best stadium outside the championship with the likes of Elland Rd, The Valley and stadium:MK in league one....

That's not to say I don't like it though. Good news on the funding.

Not forgetting the Galpharm in Huddersfield!

first steelwork going in:

http://www.seagulls.co.uk/javaImages/22/7/0,,10433~6686498,00.jpg

http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/StadiumGalleryIndex/0,,10433,00.html

progress - stands appearing:

webcam: http://www.lobstervision.tv/bhafc/#

galleries: http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/StadiumGalleryIndex/0,,10433,00.html

http://i25.tinypic.com/358csvn.jpg

My word that is looking impressive.

Eden, how far is it from the Train station in Brighton?

Bit confused by the above shot.
It's certainly impressive progress, and the main stand is of good size, but it doesn't resemble the render pictures. The bottom tier finishes in line with the rear of the vomitories in the render whereas here it extends a fair bit further. Also the upper tier looks to be a lot smaller in reality.

What??
Wouldn't even be in the running for best stadium outside the championship with the likes of Elland Rd, The Valley and stadium:MK in league one....

That's not to say I don't like it though. Good news on the funding.

This > Stadium:MK.

MK is a semi finished bowl, this is far more unique.

How close is the stadium to University of Brighton falmer campus and University of Sussex?

I love the webcam link thankx

Bit confused by the above shot.
It's certainly impressive progress, and the main stand is of good size, but it doesn't resemble the render pictures. The bottom tier finishes in line with the rear of the vomitories in the render whereas here it extends a fair bit further. Also the upper tier looks to be a lot smaller in reality.
That's a single tier stand you're looking at - the East stand. The West stand will be the 3 tier stand.

Went down to have a look recently, and I was taken back by just how large the stand is. Scary to think the West stand is going to be twice as big! :colgate:

I cannot wait.

Well, that kind of makes a bit more sense... but it doesn't look much like the one tier stand either! Unless those renders from previous pages are out of date?

I shouldn't think they are.

Not being much of an expert myself, I was just admiring the progress and sorting trusting the whole thing would fall into place as planned!

Long long way to go though, it's starting to look a little like a stadium, but I don't think it'll truly hit me until all four stands are up.

Also to those enquiring about possible expansion. It's thought to have been said many times (though never officially announced) by people working on the stadium that, should we be in a position where we'd be looking to expand, the stadium is being built in such a way that the capacity can be (fairly easily) increased to 30,000 by filling in the corners, and adding an extra tier to the east stand.

I think the reason why the east stand does look a little empty, in terms of space above the seating, is that's it's fairly obviously being built with plans for a 2nd tier.

Obviously those plans are a long way away (and would obviously require another dreaded enquiry!), and I'm sure most fans would be relieved just to get the thing built first!

Really glad Brighton got the go ahead for a new ground, but more glad they have gone for a more unique design. We could of easily seen another bowl ala Blackpool Plymouth Darlington etc..

I for one can't wait for this stadium to be built and will be heading down to it, let's hope it looks as much like the renders as possible!

http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/StadiumGallery/0,,10433~1790542,00.html

Coming along nicely. Especially in love with that second photo.

Where in Gods Name is there space for another 3 stands and a pitch?

I am looking at those 2 photos on the link you gave above and I just can't see it...?

http://www.seagulls.co.uk/javaImages/b1/d2/0,,10433~7066289,00.jpg

I was thinking that, have they placed it in the wrong place"?? :)

Haha, sorry I probably should have said, as it was bound to cause confusion. Even some of our own fans are still asking..

We're set to demolish the old university buildings to the right (in that photo) next month, which will sufficiently increase the size of the construction site. Should make it a third bigger, I think. So don't worry, there will be room!

Oops, double post. :nuts:

This > Stadium:MK.

MK is a semi finished bowl, this is far more unique.

I don't think it will be.. This will be very similar to Hull. MK Dons is a completely different design internally & externally to most of the other new grounds built.

Which is Falmer similar to, internally, then?

Not sure about the Hull comparison. I agree in that it will probably be the stadium MOST similar (in the UK), but that's not saying a lot, with all the identikit bowls. It'll still be noticeably unique in its design. Far more so than stadium:mk.

The KC is far superior to the MKDons stadium, as well as the majority of other new grounds in the country, so if it is similar, or better, Brighton will be on to a winner.

Well, that kind of makes a bit more sense... but it doesn't look much like the one tier stand either! Unless those renders from previous pages are out of date?
This is the one you want. It's from the wrong angle, but you can see what it's meant to look like.

http://www.seagulls.co.uk/javaImages/14/5c/0,,10433~3890196,00.jpg

http://i25.tinypic.com/358csvn.jpg

Ahh, that's more like it - I can see it now! Cheers for that.

Awesome news guys, I am a student at the University of Brighton Falmer Campus, which is having a couple of buildings being knocked to make way for this new stadium. I will try to take photos for a monthly update.

Brighton are going to go from the worst stadium in league 1 to one of the best.

Awesome news guys, I am a student at the University of Brighton Falmer Campus, which is having a couple of buildings being knocked to make way for this new stadium. I will try to take photos for a monthly update.
Small world, I lived on the Falmer campus last year. :cheers:

Unfortunately there wasn't so much visible construction work going on, so you've probably timed it better!
Brighton are going to go from the worst stadium in league 1 to one of the best.
League 1? Make that the football league. :banana:

Its good to see this stadium finally underway after so many years of struggle. Perhaps Brighton & Hove Albion should replace the seagull with a phoenix. Finally there is enlightened club ownership and management, and with that the team will once more rise up.

Recent progress photo:
http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/StadiumGallery/0,,10433~1815858,00.html

Its good to see this stadium finally underway after so many years of struggle. Perhaps Brighton & Hove Albion should replace the seagull with a phoenix. Finally there is enlightened club ownership and management, and with that the team will once more rise up.

Recent progress photo:
http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/StadiumGallery/0,,10433~1815858,00.html

Some good photos there, the steal frames you going up have been lifted so quickly, feels like it was done in a day.

Here's a video I made today when coming out of the University of Brighton Falmer Campus where I live and study.

Sorry about the quality.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XSLQF8X-7Y

Here's a video I made today when coming out of the University of Brighton Falmer Campus where I live and study.

Sorry about the quality.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XSLQF8X-7Y
Absolutely superb stuff! Good old 25 bus, literally lived on that thing last year!

You can really see the shape of the stadium start to come together, with the low curve of the South stand, and the steel slowly progressing further towards the recently built East stand.

Another video I'm sure some of you might find quite interesting..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4Z-JRAnpCA

Great video. Thanks.

Also the crane we currently have down at the site, which will be used to raise the arch (and roof) into position, is HUMONGOUS. Apparently there are only 4 as big, or bigger in the UK.

http://www.northstandchat.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=12701&stc=1&d=1256833068

Credit goes to Everest off NSC (http://www.northstandchat.com/showthread.php?t=154987&page=59) for the photo. The arch(es) are also going to look fairly impressive once completed!

Also the crane we currently have down at the site, which will be used to raise the arch (and roof) into position, is HUMONGOUS. Apparently there are only 4 as big, or bigger in the UK.

http://www.northstandchat.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=12701&stc=1&d=1256833068

Credit goes to Everest off NSC (http://www.northstandchat.com/showthread.php?t=154987&page=59) for the photo. The arch(es) are also going to look fairly impressive once completed!

It is MASSIVE, will try to remember to take a pic if it, I see it on the way to my lectures, the thing is beyond words.

Took some photos of the site on Monday.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Falmerstadium2.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Falmerstadium3.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Falmerstadium4.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Falmerstadium5.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Falmerstadium6.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Falmerstadium7.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Falmerstadium8.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Falmerstadium9.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Falmerstadium10.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Falmerstadium11.jpg

MAGIC! Top work, greatly appreciated.

:drunk: :drunk:

Hi everybody. I am a new resident in Hove, and I like football and stadiums. I am very happy with this proyect, and now with the new Manager Gus Poyet former uruguayan like me).

Who knows the final cost? Or the original?

Former uruguayan? What nationality is he now then?
And you for that matter?!

Cost - supposedly within the region of £90million.

Cost - supposedly within the region of £90million.

Quite expensive, but thank you

The East Stand arch (a truss girder) is being lifted into position now! You can view the excitement here (http://www.lobstervision.tv/bhafc/#).

Great to see this project progressing at pace. It's been twelve long years since we had our home stolen from us and finally us Albion fans can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Great to see this project progressing at pace. It's been twelve long years since we had our home stolen from us and finally us Albion fans can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Too right! As a bit of an update, the first bit of the East Stand arch was only up briefly, and then taken down for final adjustments (easier to do on the ground), so it'll be going back up again in the New Year.

Yup - also a fair bit of work has been done over on the West stand side, I think.

Any idea how much (if any) work they'll be doing over Christmas?

http://www.countdown2falmer.co.uk/ :cheers:

For UK based users, the Falmer stadium will be featured on Mondays London edition of the late kick off show. The show is on bbc one at 11;25.

There is also an interesting piece on the project here

http://www.steelconstruction.org/index.php?option=com_documents&task=downloadDocument&doc=54723&file=60393

I can't wait to go down to Brighton and enjoy the beach and watch a game of football with mates, but I've just realised, the inside of the stadium looks slightly odd. It is a covered stadium without the corners being filled, atmosphere will be ok/great but wont it look wrong?

I guess we'll find out. The artists impressions make it look as though they'll be a fair amount of space in between the stands, and it does look a bit odd. But I'm hoping it's merely exaggerated in the pictures (for whatever reason), and won't look that bad once built.

Failing that, let's just hope we can shoot up up the leagues so there's need to increase the capacity and fill those corners!

I can't wait to go down to Brighton and enjoy the beach and watch a game of football with mates, but I've just realised, the inside of the stadium looks slightly odd. It is a covered stadium without the corners being filled, atmosphere will be ok/great but wont it look wrong?

... and people on here are always complaining about "soulless bowls", Brighton build a ground with four stands and...

:lol:

exactly....you can't win.

I personally love the bowls...it's how arenas have been built for 1000s of years. So stadiums certainly shouldn't be attacked when they're built that way.

exactly....you can't win.

I personally love the bowls...it's how arenas have been built for 1000s of years. So stadiums certainly shouldn't be attacked when they're built that way.

I've got nothing against a bowl either. But it's a particular brand of bowl that we're talking about; bowls you can purchase from Ikea.

Your statement above is a bit of a generalisation. Bowls can come in many shapes or forms, but if you 'love' the Ikea variety then I think you must be off your rocker!

On the contrary, I think they certainly should be attacked when built that way, as they're the scourge of football, a by-product of the money culture which is suffocating the game from the top down.

The East Stand roof-supporting arch (a 170m truss) is being put back up again having had its adjustments made. The first of the three sections is currently in place.

Yup, and there's a hell of a lot going on elsewhere at the minute too! Should see some pretty rapid progress over the next few weeks.

Loads of steelwork has been errected for the 11,500 capacity main stand, well worth checking out some of the photos on this website http://www.countdown2falmer.co.uk/feb10.php


Here is the first glimpse of the interior, looks very smart IMO.

http://northstandchat.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14571&stc=1&d=1267293636

That does look very smart. My understanding is that the finish of the entire ground is going to be a fairly high specification, all the walls being rendered etc.

In terms of the hospitality, there will be 2,239 Premium seats (the middle tier of the West Stand I think), which is way ahead of the 150 seats currently available at Withdean!

Good to see this project cracking on. Couple of questions, people more local might know. Have the council got a travel plan for fans etc coming from Brighton? Will the current train services be sufficient or are they making any special arrangements like match day trains? Just wondering what proportion of fans they anticipate using public transport rather than the A27?

Good to see this project cracking on. Couple of questions, people more local might know. Have the council got a travel plan for fans etc coming from Brighton? Will the current train services be sufficient or are they making any special arrangements like match day trains? Just wondering what proportion of fans they anticipate using public transport rather than the A27?

I don't really exactly what's going on but there is a lot of digging on the Uni. of Brighton side of Falmer station and there is some building work going inbetween A270. That's all I can say sadly.

Good to see this project cracking on. Couple of questions, people more local might know. Have the council got a travel plan for fans etc coming from Brighton? Will the current train services be sufficient or are they making any special arrangements like match day trains? Just wondering what proportion of fans they anticipate using public transport rather than the A27?

An agreed transportation plan is part of the planning consent needed to bring the stadium into use, and I don't think that has been formalised as yet. However my understanding is that certainly the existing Park and Ride facilities at Mill Road and Mithras House will continue to be used, plus another. There will be additional trains running through Falmer on match days. There will also be some new parking near the stadium, but this will most certainly need to be expensively pre-booked and limited to multiple-occupancy vehicles. Falmer village will most likely be a stewarded CPZ on match days (which will effectively mean that there are less cars parked around the pond than usual :D ).

Oh, and there will be a cycle route into Brighton too.

The building of the main stand started a few weeks, I've taken pics on my phone, annoyingly though I lost the cable and Samsung CD for my phone 6 weeks ago so I can't load them up :bash:

I can grab some for you if you want? Plenty up on our forums (NSC). Went down there again on the 25 bus today. With every visit it just gets more real, with every bit of steel that goes up, it becomes just that bit easier to visualize the finished stadium there in front of me. Superb feeling. I'm sure away fans will feel the same "wow" factor when they see the massive arches through the trees as they make their way towards Falmer.

Just out of curiosity...is this another "we'll only fill it if we get into the Premier League" stadium?

Pardon my ignorance too

Who fills their stadium outside of the Premier League these days?

Even so, I'm pretty sure we'll have at least 15,000 every game in our first season (providing we're not in L2) - just for the sheer novelty and occasion of finally having a proper home. From then on, it's up to what happens on the pitch. We have an ambitious chairman who is pumping plenty of money into the club, and Poyet will have a decent budget in the summer no doubt. If we're in the Championship within the next few years, as is the aim, I can see the place being pretty full every week.

Just out of curiosity...is this another "we'll only fill it if we get into the Premier League" stadium?

Pardon my ignorance too

I wouldn't say so although sell out crowds might be a rare sight in the third division.
Although attendances at Withdean might suggest otherwise, Brighton are a well supported club and have historically drawn decent crowds, I see no reason why this can't be the case in 18 months time.

MK Dons achieved an average attendance of 10 000 last season at their new ground and they are a team who have had to build a fan base from scratch, I don't see any reason why we can't at the very least match that.

Who fills their stadium outside of the Premier League these days?

.

Well for starters, your League 1 neighbours on the South Coast, Southampton. They have often filled their 32,000 seater stadium this season :)

Yes, Southampton have filled it for the odd game here and there (Exeter & Leeds off the top of my head), but have averaged 21,000 this season. As brilliant as that is at League One level, it's can't be classed as filling St Mary's. I think Norwich & Derby are about the only two teams (outside of the PL) I can think of who consistently fill 95% percent of their fairly sizeable stadiums week in week out.

Finally managed to up load the pictures, hope you like them.

These two were taken about a five or six weeks ago.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Falmer%20Stadium/Photo0042.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Falmer%20Stadium/Photo0045.jpg

These were take a few weeks ago.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Falmer%20Stadium/Photo0048.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Falmer%20Stadium/Photo0050.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Falmer%20Stadium/Photo0052.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Falmer%20Stadium/Photo0054.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Falmer%20Stadium/Photo0055.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Falmer%20Stadium/Photo0056.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Falmer%20Stadium/Photo0057-1.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Falmer%20Stadium/Photo0059.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Falmer%20Stadium/Photo0060.jpg

The steel frame of the main stand has more than doubled in size since taking those photos, I'm currently in Chichester for my easter break although there is a little family do in Tunbridge and we need to pick up something from my room in halls, I'll try, if I have the time, to take and upload more photos.

^Cheers, been wondering about this one.

Wow thats coming on really quickly!

Yup, superb photos - cheers for those! West stand terracing coming along nicely now.

http://www.northstandchat.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15171&d=1270122827

http://www.northstandchat.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15172&d=1270122858

http://www.northstandchat.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15173&d=1270122900

http://www.northstandchat.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15174&d=1270122963

Courtesy of North Stand Chat's Natterjack. I'm sure he won't mind them being shared on here.

Some really good pics there.

Took some yesterday when I collected some books from the library.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Photo0080.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Photo0081.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Photo0082.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Photo0084.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Photo0091.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Photo0090.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Photo0089.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Photo0088.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Photo0087.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Photo0085.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Photo0092.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/ginola99/Photo0093.jpg

Things are really picking up, can't wait until its finished.

Some new photos up on the official site..

http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/StadiumGallery/0,,10433~2026440,00.html

Including..

http://www.seagulls.co.uk/javaImages/85/5b/0,,10433~8739717,00.jpg

The webcam has moved and now provides an excelent internal view.

http://www.lobstervision.tv/bhafc/

There's also some great photos here (courtesy of north stand chat's Mr Blobby).

http://englandbrighton.blogspot.com/2010/05/my-falmer-stadium-tour-19th-may-2010.html

Enjoy :banana:

Some great shots there. Thanks. It seems to get more interesting as it goes along. Gonna be a great little stadium. Once again, really pleased for Albion fans after what they've had to endure.

It's coming along well. Great roof!

I love the way this ground is technically like one of those American ones, built on a University Campus!

I love the way this ground is technically like one of those American ones, built on a University Campus!

You're not the only one, I live on Falmer Campus so I get to see it every day! :cheers:

http://www.northstandchat.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16327&stc=1&d=1274776479

I like this one,


*courtesy of NSC

A couple of excellent videos posted on youtube today...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lFfL4PMqJA&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPK-8Tyqm3I&feature=player_embedded

The ground looks cracking, especially with its surroundings. Gotta say its been a long time in the coming as I remember you lot coming to Hillsborough four or five years back, campaigning for it to be built.

Just out of interest, do you guys really think you could fill that capacity?

Absolutely no idea. Potentially yes, with our catchment area. We will probably average 15,000+ next season just on the back of finally having a permanent home (and a spectacular one at that). From then on, it's about using the extra income to progress on the pitch to hopefully become an established Championship side (where I reckon we'd get very decent crowds). But of course there's no guarantee of that happening.

We're almost in an entirely unique position really, for the past 20 years we've either been struggling financially or playing at a temporary athletics track (and for some time both) - which has held us back. Now with the backing we have, and the lack of any other league club in a 40 mile radius, we finally have the chance to really fulfill our potential.

It is looking brilliant. The exterior cladding is a bit 50/50 for me at the moment but let's see the end product.

Looking to be the best new league ground.

Some new aerial shots for you all..

http://www.seagulls.co.uk/javaImages/c1/bd/0,,10433~8830401,00.jpg

http://www.seagulls.co.uk/javaImages/c3/bd/0,,10433~8830403,00.jpg

http://www.seagulls.co.uk/javaImages/c9/bd/0,,10433~8830409,00.jpg

I'm so happy to see this finally being built, and I'm not even a Brighton fan. As always, there's some great updates here (http://www.countdown2falmer.co.uk/jun10.php). :cheers:

Absolutely no idea. Potentially yes, with our catchment area. We will probably average 15,000+ next season just on the back of finally having a permanent home (and a spectacular one at that). From then on, it's about using the extra income to progress on the pitch to hopefully become an established Championship side (where I reckon we'd get very decent crowds). But of course there's no guarantee of that happening.

We're almost in an entirely unique position really, for the past 20 years we've either been struggling financially or playing at a temporary athletics track (and for some time both) - which has held us back. Now with the backing we have, and the lack of any other league club in a 40 mile radius, we finally have the chance to really fulfill our potential.

I'm delighted that you've finally got a proper home and no longer have to play at the Withdean, which is probably the worst stadium in the country for watching football in, but I think 15k plus average attendance is very optimistic; only Leeds, Norwich and Charlton averaged more than this in League 1 last year, and with no disrespect to B&HA they are much bigger clubs that had been used to playing in higher leagues.

I must be good to finally have a place to call home. What's happened to Brighton is a disgrace and shouldn't happen to any football club.

Saints as well. Wouldn't say Charlton are that much bigger a club - they've been spoilt with success in recent times and have built up a decent fanbase, but I don't think they'll cope too well if they fail to gain promotion back to the Championship soon-ish. If we're both still in League One in 2-3 years time, I'd like to think we'd have the more sustainable, size-able crowds. The potential with regards to catchment area is far, far greater.

I don't think 15,000 is that optimistic at all, and would be disappointed if we didn't at least get close to that in our first season. The rate at which the corporate packages have been selling suggests that demands are high, and I think it'll be the same amongst the fans. The amount of interest the new stadium has gathered from the floating Albion fans (all of whom will have avoided Withdean) and even the non-Albion fans in Sussex has been incredible. It's not much use making comparisons anyway, as there's not much to compare our situation to really. There's a certain excitement & anticipation surrounding the new ground, that stems from all the suffering we've had to endure for the last 15 years. I think a lot of people are underestimating just how much it'll mean to so many people living in Brighton & Hove (and much further afield). We shall see I guess, but I should hope I'll be bumping this thread in 18 months time for all the right reasons!

Martin Perry puts it nicely..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPK-8Tyqm3I

I will let my overwhelmingly good memories of games against BHA at the Goldstone get in the way of a slanging match over who is bigger than who here. As a Charlton supporter, good luck with the new ground, it does/will look superb. I can well see you filling the new ground and getting yourself up at least one league pretty quickly as a consequence.

Hey you're a bigger club man! Just not to the extent of Leeds & Southampton I wouldn't say. And thanks, I imagine Charlton will always bring a good away crowd.

I don't think many albion fans would try and argue that we're a bigger club than Charlton, so we should definitely knock that on the head and play nicely.

Until a couple of months ago I was predicting about 12,000 average in the first season on the back of a few sell outs at the beginning, but since seeing the demand for the posh seats I really think we'll do better than that. They've already sold over half the gold and platinum packages and that was without advertising. The rest of the tickets are predicted to go pretty quickly so that's 2000 sold already, over a year before the first game. These are all 5 year tickets.

Historically the club has always been able to pull in decent crowds when we're doing well. If we're winning every week we'll easily get 15-20,000 whatever league we're in. Unfortunately as is the way with football the crowds dwindle when the team is crap and our record since the 90s speaks for itself. If you look at our crowd numbers at the end of the goldstone, through gillingham and into withdean it does make us look like a tinpot club, and in many ways we were. But it also hides the potential because many fans were put off by the termoil and conditions that supporting BHA through the bad times brought with it.

When we did get a bit of success in 2001-2005 people came back out the woodwork, but we didn't have the stadium to sustain it. Next time it happens we will, if we're at the top league 1 we'll be playing in front of full houses for the big games and the extra revenue should allow the extra investment needed in the team. However, if we're still mid lable league 1 in 3 years time we'll have a half full stadium.

I'm pretty confident that Bloom and Poyet will do the business :banana:

From the world forums... it looks massive:



http://www.northstandchat.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16723&stc=1&d=1275829346
Courtesy of Everest from North Stand Chat (http://www.northstandchat.com/).

Looks quality. Its definitely a lesson to the likes of Leicester, Southampton, Coventry, Doncaster etc that not all new stadia have to be bland uniform bowls.

It has today been announced that the stadium will be officially sponsored by American Express (Brighton's largest employer), and will be known as the American Express Community Stadium.

how far from the nearest railway station is it?

how far from the nearest railway station is it?
Practically on the door-step of Falmer station..

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r196/FibreFan/Photo0042.jpg

Practically on the door-step of Falmer station..

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r196/FibreFan/Photo0042.jpg

Going back to campus on Friday for my final night in Paddock Fields (the Uni of Brighton halls on Falmer campus for those who don't know) :cry: Gonna try and take some new pics, especialy one from that foot bridge :)

I lived in Paddock Fields last year. Good times. :cheers: :nuts:

A few new aerial shots from this week showing the progress of the roof. Thanks to duncan muir of NSC

http://www.northstandchat.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=17072&stc=1&d=1277249877

I don't see any Grass on the roof in that render above?

Someone please tell me it is still going to have Grass.

I don't see any Grass on the roof in that render above?

Someone please tell me it is still going to have Grass.

Not as such, no.

But you can bring your own grass along if you want.

I don't see any Grass on the roof in that render above?

Someone please tell me it is still going to have Grass.

The original design from ten years ago did indeed include grass bunds behind the North and South stands. Planning regulations moved on while the Public Inquiries were going, particularly to do with things like the size of the concourses, among other things. So in order to meet the new planning regulations the bunds sadly had to go.

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/9076/p1030617.jpg

http://northstandchat.com/showthread.php?t=180236

http://northstandchat.com/showthread.php?t=180214

^^

They are currently in the process of slowly jacking the roof down, so those pillars holding it up will disappear in a few weeks time.

That shot is taken from the South Stand, which is the away end. The North Stand, will be the new home end, much as it was at the Goldstone, except without the surges whenever a goal is scored!!

Good website to watch this being built... loads of up to date photos (these are from august):

http://www.countdown2falmer.co.uk/aug10.php

nice big render
http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt118/awaren8/bri5.jpg


I can't believe how rural the setting is :nuts:

http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt118/awaren8/bri3.jpg

http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt118/awaren8/bri4.jpg

http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt118/awaren8/bri2.jpg

http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt118/awaren8/bri1.jpg



http://www.countdown2falmer.co.uk/aug10.php

That last pic really illustrates how well it fits it surroundings. The undulating hills with the undulating roof.
This just might be one of those which actually looks a lot better in the flesh compared to the renders.

this is terrific. i'm no fan of 'out of town' stadiums at all... but this looks like being a glorious exception. unique location, creative design and, by the looks of things, genuine quality. marvellous... just make sure nobody builds a retail park around it!

oh, and find a way to get the grass back on the roof.

There is no chance in hell of there being a retail park being built around it - it is right on the boundary of the South Downs National Park!

In other news, the temporary roof supports have now been removed, so the structure is now totally self-supporting.

In other news, the temporary roof supports have now been removed, so the structure is now totally self-supporting.

Thats great news :banana:


I think it's fair to say that we're all quite impressed by this stadium. Its great to see something thats modern and aesthetically pleasing that isn't a bowl. I just hope that we see a number of unique mid-sized stadiums appearing in the next few years.

What a ground, the stadium looks beautiful as do the surroundings. The only downside is that there doesn't look like there will be anything to do around the stadium which seems to be a theme with new grounds.

I believe it is on a university campus so maybe not the best set for a bunch of rowdy fans, although with Brighton I'm sure that will be very minimal with away fans.

What a ground, the stadium looks beautiful as do the surroundings. The only downside is that there doesn't look like there will be anything to do around the stadium which seems to be a theme with new grounds.

I believe it is on a university campus so maybe not the best set for a bunch of rowdy fans, although with Brighton I'm sure that will be very minimal with away fans.

The stadium is partially within the the grounds of Brighton University, and Sussex University is just across the road.

You are right about there not being a lot to do around the ground, but my understanding is that they are pulling out all the stops inside the ground to make it as accommodating as possible. The away end is going to be just a bit different from the normal bare blocks you get at most grounds from what I can gather.

I suspect a good portion of the home fans will drink in town as normal before getting a train or bus up to the ground for the match.

This stadium is looking very good, and fits well into its South Downs context.

I'm curious that the stands only run along the sides of the pitch and do not turn the corners - looks odd. Is this for crowd control. The Goldstone ground always had problems at the NE corner between the North Stand home fans and visiting fans in the east stand.

This stadium is looking very good, and fits well into its South Downs context.

I'm curious that the stands only run along the sides of the pitch and do not turn the corners - looks odd. Is this for crowd control. The Goldstone ground always had problems at the NE corner between the North Stand home fans and visiting fans in the east stand.

Nothing like that, they just aren't being built in at the moment. Potentially the stadium could be expanded up to about 30k seats by filling in those corners and adding the second tier in the East Stand, but that is unlikely in the near future and I suspect that getting planning permission would be difficult.

I had forgotten about this one for a while. Just been to the gallery and webcam, and it's coming along nicely. Can't be long before seats will be going in, surely?

The main stand is impressive. If there is one gripe, it is that the end stand to the left of the main stand looks horribly shallow.

If there is one gripe, it is that the end stand to the left of the main stand looks horribly shallow.

I also thought that, but I'm sure it's more to with the angle of the webcam, as in the pictures it doesn't look too bad.

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/9469/0609106.jpg

I also thought that, but I'm sure it's more to with the angle of the webcam, as in the pictures it doesn't look too bad.

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/9469/0609106.jpg

Presumably the rake will be the same as that of the main stand in the foreground, which although not the steepest, looks like decent enough.

Thhis thread needs updating, a few good pics from today on http://www.northstandchat.com/showthread.php?t=154987&page=168
Thanks to Everest and Natterjack on NSC for putting the effort in.

http://www.northstandchat.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=19393&d=1288019111

http://www.northstandchat.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=19397&stc=1&d=1288024911
http://www.northstandchat.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=19399&stc=1&d=1288024935
http://www.northstandchat.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=19401&stc=1&d=1288024962

Looks great in the South Downs setting.

Another KSS Stadium Jim. :)

I still think it could of grown out of the surrounding landscape far better the mounding on one side of the stadium just look's a bit token.

Nothing like that, they just aren't being built in at the moment. Potentially the stadium could be expanded up to about 30k seats by filling in those corners and adding the second tier in the East Stand, but that is unlikely in the near future and I suspect that getting planning permission would be difficult.

Thanks CO: 22K seemed a little underwhelming, glad to hear that expansion has been allowed for. I remember watching the Albion regularly in the 70s when I was young, when attendance was consistently over 20K and often over 30K for the bigger games and at the end of seasons. I hope these days return once the new stadium opens.

I still think it could of grown out of the surrounding landscape far better the mounding on one side of the stadium just look's a bit token.

Not quite sure what you mean there? The stadium is very much dug into the hillside, away supporters will note that the entrances into the South Stand are actually at the top of the seating, and there is about a three or four storey chalk cliff face behind the West Stand where the hillside has been removed. It is inevitable that the East and North Stands look like they are just plonked there at the moment, because a) they are at the lower part of the slope, and b) the landscaping hasn't been done yet.

Incidentally, all of the chalk excavated has been used to re-profile the field on the other side of Village Way, basically making it a more even surface for farming.

Latest set of aeriel shots can be seen here..

http://www.northstandchat.com/showthread.php?t=186454

Including:

http://www.northstandchat.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=19427&stc=1&d=1288181458

http://www.northstandchat.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=19426&stc=1&d=1288181447

http://www.northstandchat.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=19428&stc=1&d=1288181466

As a Gills fan, I'm happy Brighton are soon to be owners of perhaps the best ground in the lower leagues.

All of a sudden its looking rather unremarkable.. Another crappy identikit stadium (oh and its in the middle of nowhere)!! Not that the club had much choice of location in the end.. Just a shame that's all.

In what way is it 'another crappy identikit stadium'? :uh:

It's about a million times more 'remarkable' than practically every other recent build, ie Cardiff, Swansea, Doncaster, MK etc..

Hang on, must be a Palace fan!

All of a sudden its looking rather unremarkable.. Another crappy identikit stadium (oh and its in the middle of nowhere)!! Not that the club had much choice of location in the end.. Just a shame that's all.

Sounds like a fishing trip to me...

Now I've seen it said that this stadium looks like the KC:

http://www.grassrootscoaching.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/kc_stadium.jpg
from http://www.grassrootscoaching.com

erm... how?

the Galpharm:

http://stadiums.football.co.uk/Images/Photos/Large/59-0.jpg
from http://stadiums.football.co.uk

well, the roof is a similar colour I suppose...

edit that should be 'roofs', the Galpharm seems to have three more than the Amex does!

and the Reebok:

http://www.monoroof.co.uk/assets/images/reebok-stadium.jpg
from http://www.monoroof.co.uk

Not even close!

In what way is it 'another crappy identikit stadium'? :uh:

It's about a million times more 'remarkable' than practically every other recent build, ie Cardiff, Swansea, Doncaster, MK etc..

Hang on, must be a Palace fan!

Or just an arse.

He sees that it has trusses on the roof, and so do other stadiums....so it's a copy!

The only thing I don't like about this stadium is the two grey end bits of the roof. Something like this would've been better. ;)

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/5074/falmer.png

Heh, I agree actually. Various features haven't turned out quite as nice as they looked in the artist impressions.. (can't complain though!)

On the flipside, those grass roof ends would have a nightmare for the official club mower. ;)

Heh, I agree actually. Various features haven't turned out quite as nice as they looked in the artist impressions.. (can't complain though!)

On the flipside, those grass roof ends would have a nightmare for the official club mower. ;)

To be fair it would probably be best to judge the finish... erm, when its finished!

Personally I think the grey looks far better than the green that guy coloured in.

From what i've heard, the grey "end tips" are to be either coloured green or have an artificial grass subsitute installed on them - to make the ground "blend in" more into the surroundings. Or it could be actual grass - but i dont know how this will be maintained. A good idea in the whole, but not really thought it through!!

From what i've heard, the grey "end tips" are to be either coloured green or have an artificial grass subsitute installed on them - to make the ground "blend in" more into the surroundings. Or it could be actual grass - but i dont know how this will be maintained. A good idea in the whole, but not really thought it through!!

'fraid not, in the original plans drawn up ten years ago they were to have been grass bunds. The intervening years between those plans being drawn and planning permission being granted saw lots of regulatory changes (something to do with concourse sizes being the main one I believe) which inevitably meant that the plans needed to change - using the bunds as part of the building was the easiest way to accommodate the regulatory changes without affecting the ground capacity. So get used to the grey roof.

With no updates for almost a month I thought i'd share a link to some excellent internal shots courtesy of North Stand Chat's Jack Straw.

http://www.northstandchat.com/showthread.php?189227-JS-s-American-Express-Community-Stadium-Watch-No.100-(3-12-10).

With no updates for almost a month I thought i'd share a link to some excellent internal shots courtesy of North Stand Chat's Jack Straw.

http://www.northstandchat.com/showthread.php?189227-JS-s-American-Express-Community-Stadium-Watch-No.100-(3-12-10).

Clearly a massive upgrade on what they've got now, but a little disappointing overall.

A great main stand, but it appears to be all about the main stand. The other three stands look small in comparison, and worst of all, very shallow.

I'd guess it's to allow for cheaper future expansion, like at Cardiff, but it'll mean that for most in the stadium the view will only be adequate at best.

The other three stands look small in comparison, and worst of all, very shallow.

I'd guess it's to allow for cheaper future expansion, like at Cardiff, but it'll mean that for most in the stadium the view will only be adequate at best.

About half of the capacity of the ground is in the main West Stand. I wouldn't let the photos deceive you about how shallow the stands are - having seen square side on photos I can assure you that while not being precipitously steep they are by no means shallow.

You are right about expansion, the East Stand in particular looks small simply because of the void above it where the upper tier currently isn't. Expansion of the North and South stands would be into the corners rather than above.

P.S. probably best not to compare this ground with Cardiff - that one was done on the cheap!

What would an extended East stand bring capacity to? Will it mirror the West or will it be different?

It will be two tiers (once extended). As opposed to the 3 tiered West stand.

What would an extended East stand bring capacity to? Will it mirror the West or will it be different?

It is quite a sensitive issue due to the problems we had with planning but it has been suggested that a second tier on the East stand would add approximately 5000 seats (27,000) and then the filling of the corners would add a further 6000 seats (33,000).

I don’t think the east stand is designed to accommodate three tiers, only two.

The completed stadium would look very similar to Porto's stadium;

http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_menu/architecture/stadium_design/pictures/porto_dragao/porto_dragao4.jpg

http://public.blu.livefilestore.com/y1pkHL1Ivr2uqjDYXAm5iCIsHsuJJFv_B4mN8WrYuy67_0XLbz5zp8_dj1HeGgP03FppQBqo1WnZc_SWfc7mwbzjw/087%20-%203%20Dec%202010.jpg?psid=1

It will be two tiers (once extended). As opposed to the 3 tiered West stand.

Yep, no need to move the roof or anything, the second tier would just slot in.

Exciting times for Brighton fans - the seating contractors are now on-site and the comfy padded seats will be going in throughout the stadium in the next few weeks.

Amex WebCam (http://www.lobstervision.tv/bhafc/#)

Great looking stadium and what a stunning setting.

Keeping my fingers crossed that Boro don't continue our attempt to follow Leeds, Charlton and Southampton in plummeting down the leagues and we get to play you next season, would be a nice away day.

A great main stand, but it appears to be all about the main stand. The other three stands look small in comparison, and worst of all, very shallow.

Apologies for going back over old posts again... I just remembered that the seats are all being put in on parabolic curves, which can be seen by the stands getting slightly steeper as they go further back.

Nearly there. Looks great! :cheers:

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/3831/p1050221u.jpg

http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/3598/p1050215n.jpg

http://www.northstandchat.com/showthread.php?193329-JS-s-American-Express-Community-Stadium-Watch-No.106-(28-1-11).-Inside-Special.

Really coming along nicely, getting ever nearer to the completion date..

I think it'll be when the beautiful blue seats are going in and the green of the grass starts to emerge that it'll TRULY hit me that the Amex is soon to be our new home.

For those who are interested there is now a virtual view of the stadium on-line which shows the views of the pitch from various blocks around the ground, as well as of the concourses - the concourse for the upper tier of the West stand has views over the City apparently (not shown in the virtual thingumy).

http://stadiumexplorer.com/brightonandhovealbion/

Odd that there is one row of seats at the back of two of the corners... are these for disabled?

Odd that there is one row of seats at the back of two of the corners... are these for disabled?

Yes, they are for disabled viewers. Seats may be put in in the corners themselves at some point in the future, subject to demand and getting planning permission.

Fantastic looking stadium. B&H fans will be proud.

Someone will still come alone and call it a 'cookie-cutter', due to the fact it has seats or something.

There's a great new 'behind the scenes' video of Falmer on the BBC website http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brighton/9432161.stm

I don't think 15,000 is that optimistic at all, and would be disappointed if we didn't at least get close to that in our first season. The rate at which the corporate packages have been selling suggests that demands are high, and I think it'll be the same amongst the fans. The amount of interest the new stadium has gathered from the floating Albion fans (all of whom will have avoided Withdean) and even the non-Albion fans in Sussex has been incredible. It's not much use making comparisons anyway, as there's not much to compare our situation to really. There's a certain excitement & anticipation surrounding the new ground, that stems from all the suffering we've had to endure for the last 15 years. I think a lot of people are underestimating just how much it'll mean to so many people living in Brighton & Hove (and much further afield). We shall see I guess, but I should hope I'll be bumping this thread in 18 months time for all the right reasons!
Hasn't quite been 18 months.. but I thought it was worth a bump anyway. :)

http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/Latest/0,,10433~2322217,00.html

14,000 season tickets sold already. Should sell out over the next few weeks.

Hasn't quite been 18 months.. but I thought it was worth a bump anyway. :)

http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/Latest/0,,10433~2322217,00.html

14,000 season tickets sold already. Should sell out over the next few weeks.

Of course, it hasn't hurt that Brighton have been playing exceptionally well this season and, barring a dramatic collapse, have been virtually nailed on for promotion for some time!

Have to say, I'm delighted for you all that you'll be getting one of the best stadiums in the country after what you've had to put with for the past 15 years. Well deserved.

have the seats gone in yet?

have the seats gone in yet?

They started going in at about 11.45am today as it happens.

Have they found a nice pink hue for them?

Photos of the seats?

Photos of the seats?

Web cam (http://www.lobstervision.tv/bhafc/#)

A darker blue would have suited.

A darker blue would have suited.

The seats are still in their polythene wrappings, which makes them look lighter than they are. When they were putting the seats in at the Franchise's Stadium.MK they looked grey, but are in fact black.

Few!

Few!

22,000 is quite a few, yes.

:cheers:YAY seats!

i am happy now lol

http://www.northstandchat.com/showthread.php?198594-Amex-Stadium-Pictures-%28Hans-Kraay%29

Some decent inside pics on NSC this week. Alot to trawl through but pretty interesting to see the innards of the stadium progressing

I heard on the radio last night the away end will change colour depending on who they're playing. Is that right or did I mishear?

The interior will yes.

There seems to be a lot of pandering to away fans in this ground. I'd be pretty pissed off it that was happening at Elland Road...

I heard on the radio last night the away end will change colour depending on who they're playing. Is that right or did I mishear?

More info on that in this clip:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brighton/9432161.stm

There seems to be a lot of pandering to away fans in this ground. I'd be pretty pissed off it that was happening at Elland Road...

I don't see why, Elland Road is rather a poor ground to visit (lets face it three of the stands need replacing), and I would have thought Cuddly Uncle Ken would want to encourage away fans to come - then they could stay in his hotel too.

Having seen some pretty poor away attendances at Withdean - particularly since the Worthing End was built, it'll actually be nice to have some opposition fans turning up to see the new ground.

I don't see why, Elland Road is rather a poor ground to visit (lets face it three of the stands need replacing), and I would have thought Cuddly Uncle Ken would want to encourage away fans to come - then they could stay in his hotel too.

Having seen some pretty poor away attendances at Withdean - particularly since the Worthing End was built, it'll actually be nice to have some opposition fans turning up to see the new ground.

I agree.

I don't see any conflict in, on the one hand, offering a good experience for away fans while, on the other, also creating an intimidating atmosphere for the opposition players.

Away fans' money is as good as home fans' money. They have the right to enjoy equally good service and facilities.

Are they still on target to get it finished on time? Just been looking on the Lobster vision, and it's looking smart (although I still can't help but be a little bit irritated by the small shallow ends, even with the prospect of filling in the corners in the future), but shouldn't the pitch be seeded by now and with some green shoots showing? The seats will be installed very quickly i'd imagine as there aren't that many of them. It take it they'll need the ramping up events/tests for safety certificates in around two months time? Just for comparison, Cardiff City's new stadium was almost finished at this stage of the timeline http://www.cardiffcitystadium.co.uk/index.php?view=article&catid=14%3Aground-shots&id=112%3A37-the-light-fantastic&option=com_content&Itemid=43
I suppose, worst case scenario is they have to play first home match or two of new season still at withdean. I'm sure it won't happen, but it would be less than desirable.

Are they still on target to get it finished on time? Just been looking on the Lobster vision, and it's looking smart (although I still can't help but be a little bit irritated by the small shallow ends, even with the prospect of filling in the corners in the future), but shouldn't the pitch be seeded by now and with some green shoots showing? The seats will be installed very quickly i'd imagine as there aren't that many of them. It take it they'll need the ramping up events/tests for safety certificates in around two months time? Just for comparison, Cardiff City's new stadium was almost finished at this stage of the timeline http://www.cardiffcitystadium.co.uk/index.php?view=article&catid=14%3Aground-shots&id=112%3A37-the-light-fantastic&option=com_content&Itemid=43
I suppose, worst case scenario is they have to play first home match or two of new season still at withdean. I'm sure it won't happen, but it would be less than desirable.

New grass pitches are usually sown after the end of the season, in mid to late May. So there are no worries on that account.

As to the rest, what remains to be done? Seats, obviously. But, as you say, that shouldn't take long. What else?

I don't see why, Elland Road is rather a poor ground to visit (lets face it three of the stands need replacing), and I would have thought Cuddly Uncle Ken would want to encourage away fans to come - then they could stay in his hotel too.

Having seen some pretty poor away attendances at Withdean - particularly since the Worthing End was built, it'll actually be nice to have some opposition fans turning up to see the new ground.

The vast majority of Leeds fans would be happy that you think it's a poor ground to visit; if the ground helps to make it a poor experience then that's a bonus.

A move which has been widely welcomed by Leeds fans is that next season, away fans will be moving to the West Stand, which is a dump, is one of the most expensive areas of the ground and very few home supporters want to go in there. Anyone sat in Block B of the stand will have a great view of United Fisheries over the road but not much else. It's football not the theatre.

I disagree that 3 of the stands need replacing. One is falling to bits (The West Stand) but the Kop and South stand just need a good refurb and new roofs to remove the pillars but apart from that, the facilities are comparable to some of the new flatpack stadiums that have been knocked up in the last 20 years, the ground just looks a bit tired.

New grass pitches are usually sown after the end of the season, in mid to late May. So there are no worries on that account.

As to the rest, what remains to be done? Seats, obviously. But, as you say, that shouldn't take long. What else?

I don't know what else, that was why I was asking. Sometimes the build looks largely complete, but it's all the little things which when put together take a lot of time. Snagging, signage, infrastructure etc etc. Looking at the recent photos, it just seemed to me that there was more to be done than you would expect at this time. I'm sure it's all fine, but was wondering if any Gulls fans knew anymore info, or they might have heard that they were a bit behind?

The vast majority of Leeds fans would be happy that you think it's a poor ground to visit; if the ground helps to make it a poor experience then that's a bonus.

A move which has been widely welcomed by Leeds fans is that next season, away fans will be moving to the West Stand, which is a dump, is one of the most expensive areas of the ground and very few home supporters want to go in there. Anyone sat in Block B of the stand will have a great view of United Fisheries over the road but not much else. It's football not the theatre.

I disagree that 3 of the stands need replacing. One is falling to bits (The West Stand) but the Kop and South stand just need a good refurb and new roofs to remove the pillars but apart from that, the facilities are comparable to some of the new flatpack stadiums that have been knocked up in the last 20 years, the ground just looks a bit tired.

Why?

With respect, that comes across as being very small minded and mean spirited. And I'm sure that you're not really like that.

Making the atmosphere intimidating for the away team (which is, I think, what you are trying to get at) is very different from offering a poor service and / or facilities to the away fans.

This is the 21st century. People who pay good money to watch a football match have the right to expect a good experience - regardless of whether they are home or away fans.

I'm sure it's all fine, but was wondering if any Gulls fans knew anymore info, or they might have heard that they were a bit behind?

I doubt Torquay fans would be that interested to be honest.

The last I heard, however, was that they were pretty much on schedule - a couple of days behind schedule at most.

:runaway: oops. Looking forward 2 sampling the now fabled 'away experience' when we visit next season. Would be nie to go this august.

Ha-ha!

There is now pictorial evidence on North Stand Chat (http://www.northstandchat.com/showthread.php?199087-JS-s-American-Express-Community-Stadium-Watch-No.117-(15-4-11).-Inside-Special.) that the grass is indeed growing, and also shows a bit of the elastic fibre stuff that it is growing through too. Very interesting stuff!!

Good stuff. Looks like quite a mad rush but they'll be alright.
What are the windows above the seats behind one end for? Is there a hotel incorporated?
I reckon this stadium will look great under the lights in an evening fixture.

The only criticism from me is the back of stands, small windows on large grey facades - could have been so much more!

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/1559/capturelq.jpg (http://img193.imageshack.us/i/capturelq.jpg/)

Good stuff. Looks like quite a mad rush but they'll be alright.
What are the windows above the seats behind one end for? Is there a hotel incorporated?
I reckon this stadium will look great under the lights in an evening fixture.

Its lots of offices, like community team, tickets etc

Good stuff. Looks like quite a mad rush but they'll be alright.
What are the windows above the seats behind one end for? Is there a hotel incorporated?
I reckon this stadium will look great under the lights in an evening fixture.

Definitely no hotel included, the Albion don't have planning permission for one, and have never sought it - they don't have the space for it.

I'm guessing that you're looking at the North Stand, that end includes the security control box, a camera position, and also the club shop (the club will also be maintaining their city centre shop on Queens Road), supporters bar, museum and offices, so I suspect the windows relate to one or more of those.

http://img848.imageshack.us/img848/7363/cimg0311g.jpg

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/1452/cimg0324t.jpg

http://www.northstandchat.com/showthread.php?199412-Falmer-From-The-Sky-Part-Deux

^^ :drool: stunning stadium for the team that deserve it most.

How much of the capacity does the main stand (is it the west?) account for. Looks to be about half.

^^

Capacity is 22,500
West Stand (three tiers) 12,204
East Stand (single tier) 5,194
North Stand (single tier) 2,564
South Stand (away supporters, single tier) 2,538

http://footballgroundguide.ipbhost.com/index.php?showtopic=20689&view=findpost&p=319278

Thanks. Very lopsided thought.
The grass is coming up nicely now (on Lobster).

Thanks. Very lopsided thought.
The grass is coming up nicely now (on Lobster).

Yep, it is starting to look like a proper stadium now.

I agree that the stadium currently looks rather lopsided, from the inside at least, the East Stand in particular does look odd because of the lack of the second tier above it. If Brighton have a successful season in the Championship next season, and season ticket sale levels are maintained beyond that, then I can see the club putting in a planning application to install that second tier sooner rather than later.