1. Getting to the American Express Community Stadium

By Car

• Address: American Express Community Stadium, Village Way, Brighton, BN1 9BL.

• Parking:

  • On-Site Parking: The stadium offers limited parking, mostly for season ticket holders and permit holders. It is best to pre-book parking if you're driving.

  • Nearby Parking: There are several nearby car parks where you can park on matchdays:

    • Brighton Park & Ride (at the Withdean Park or Moulsecoomb areas) – A reliable option with direct bus links to the stadium.

    • A23 Park & Ride – Located just a short distance away, this option allows easy access to the stadium via bus.

  • Parking Tips: Arrive early to secure a spot, as parking fills up quickly on matchdays, especially during busy periods.

By Train

• Preston Park Station:

  • Distance: Just a 10-minute walk from the stadium.

  • Trains to Preston Park: Direct trains run from London Victoria (around 50 minutes), London Bridge (55 minutes), and Gatwick Airport (20 minutes).

  • Train Tips: Pre-match trains tend to be busier, so try to travel early or avoid peak times if possible.

• Brighton Station: If you arrive at Brighton Station, you can either:

  • Take a bus from Brighton Station to the stadium (approx. 15-20 minutes).

  • A taxi or ride-share will take around 10 minutes to reach the stadium.

By Bus

• Bus Routes: There are multiple bus routes to the stadium from Brighton city center and surrounding areas, including:

  • Route 25: From the city center to the stadium.

  • Route 50: From Brighton Station to the stadium.

  • Matchday Shuttle Buses: Extra services are often put in place for fans traveling to and from the stadium on matchdays.

By Bike

• Cycling: Brighton is a bike-friendly city, and you can find bike racks at the stadium. The city also has bike lanes and routes that make cycling a convenient option for fans.

 

2. Where to Stay

If you're staying overnight or for the weekend in Brighton, the city offers plenty of accommodation options.

• Budget-Friendly:

  • Ibis Brighton City Centre: Located in the heart of Brighton, it's an affordable option with easy access to both the beach and the stadium.

  • Travelodge Brighton Seafront: A great option close to the beach and only a short distance from the city center.

• Mid-Range:

  • Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront: A 4-star hotel by the seafront, offering great views and easy access to the city and stadium.

  • Holiday Inn Brighton Seafront: Offering contemporary rooms and located close to both the beach and town center.

• Luxury:

  • The Grand Brighton: A historic, luxury hotel offering a stunning seafront location, perfect for a special visit.

  • Hotel Du Vin Brighton: Stylish and modern with great facilities, located in the center of Brighton.

 

3. Matchday Tips

Gates Open:

• Gates to the stadium usually open 1.5 to 2 hours before the match. This gives you plenty of time to explore the fan zones, grab a bite to eat, and get ready for the match.

Ticket Collection:

• If you’ve bought tickets in advance, you can either print them at home or collect them at the stadium’s ticket office.

• Ticket Tips: Make sure to bring your booking confirmation and ID if you're collecting tickets in person.

Fan Zones:

• The Amex Fan Zone: Located just outside the stadium, the fan zone offers food, drink, and entertainment before the match. It’s a great place to meet fellow fans and enjoy some pre-match activities.

Merchandise:

• The official Brighton & Hove Albion FC shop is located inside the stadium, offering a wide range of club merchandise, including scarves, shirts, hats, and more.

Food and Drink:

• Inside the Stadium: The stadium offers a range of food stalls, including:

  • Hot dogs, burgers, and fish and chips.

  • Vegetarian and vegan options available.

  • Refreshments including beer, soft drinks, and snacks.

• Pubs and Restaurants:

  • The Sportsman (near Preston Park) – A traditional pub with a relaxed atmosphere and good food, popular with fans before the match.

  • The King & Queen (in the city center) – A lively pub with great pre-match drinks and a cozy atmosphere.

  • The Basketmakers Arms (city center) – A classic, cozy pub perfect for pre-match pints.

 

4. Exploring Brighton

If you have some time to explore, Brighton is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do!

Brighton Beach

• Distance: A 25-minute bus or 10-minute taxi ride from the stadium.

• What to Do: Relax on the iconic pebble beach, take a stroll along the famous Brighton Pier, or enjoy the buzzing atmosphere at one of the beachfront cafes.

Royal Pavilion

• Distance: 20-minute walk from the city center.

• What to Do: Visit this unique and historic palace with stunning gardens, located in the heart of Brighton.

The Lanes

• Distance: 15-minute walk.

• What to Do: Explore Brighton’s charming Lanes area, full of quirky independent shops, cafes, and art galleries. It's the perfect spot for a leisurely wander.

Brighton Marina

• Distance: 10-minute drive or bus ride.

• What to Do: Check out the shops, restaurants, and beautiful waterfront views. Great for a post-match stroll or meal.

North Laine

• Distance: 15-minute walk from the stadium.

• What to Do: Known for its alternative, bohemian vibe, North Laine is filled with independent shops, cafes, and street art.

 

5. Post-Match Tips

• Getting Back to the Train Station: After the match, expect crowds heading back to the station. If you're in a hurry, take one of the shuttle buses from the stadium to Preston Park Station, or consider walking to the station if the weather is nice.

• After-Match Drinks: Many fans head to The King & Queen or The Sportsman to discuss the match over a pint.

 

6. Additional Useful Information

• Weather: Brighton’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in the winter months. Be sure to bring an umbrella or a raincoat if it’s likely to rain, and check the forecast ahead of time.

• Safety: Brighton is a generally safe city, but as with any busy matchday, it's always good to stay aware of your surroundings.

• Emergency Contacts:

  • Brighton & Hove Albion Customer Support: You can reach out to the club at +44 (0) 1273 878 288 for matchday assistance.

  • Emergency Services: Dial 999 in case of an emergency.

 

Conclusion

A visit to the American Express Community Stadium to watch Brighton & Hove Albion is a fantastic experience. With easy transport links, plenty of nearby attractions, and a vibrant atmosphere, you’re sure to have a memorable time. Use this guide to make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible!

Enjoy your matchday, and Up the Seagulls!