Brighton, England
Falmer Stadium
Premier League
Planning a football trip to see Brighton & Hove Albion play is an exciting prospect for any football fan. There are several ways to secure your trip to the Falmer Stadium (also known as the American Express Stadium or the Amex). On this page, you can compare different options from travel agencies and ticket providers that offer football trips to Brighton matches. Some companies offer complete packages including hotel accommodation and match tickets, while others focus solely on match tickets. Most providers will deliver your tickets electronically or arrange for collection near the stadium. For Premier League matches, especially against top teams like Manchester United or Liverpool, it's advisable to book well in advance as demand can be high.
When comparing football trips to Brighton, consider what's included in each package. Some travel agencies offer basic packages with just match tickets, while others include hotel stays, transportation, and even guided tours. The location of your seats at Falmer Stadium can significantly impact your experience - seats behind the goals offer a vibrant atmosphere with the most passionate fans, while seats in the main stands provide a better tactical view of the match. Prices vary depending on the opposition, with matches against the 'Big Six' typically commanding higher prices. The comparison on this page helps you find the right balance between price and experience, allowing you to make an informed decision about your Brighton football trip.
Securing tickets to watch Brighton play at the Falmer Stadium can be challenging through the club's official channels, especially for high-profile matches. The club operates a loyalty-based system where season ticket holders and members get priority access. For visitors, the travel agencies and ticket providers listed on this page offer a reliable alternative. Tickets for Brighton home games typically range from the more affordable North and South Stands to the premium East and West Stands. The atmosphere at Brighton matches has been praised for its family-friendly nature while still maintaining the passionate support expected at Premier League fixtures. Most providers offer tickets in pairs or small groups, allowing friends and family to sit together.
Brighton offers a unique matchday experience that combines Premier League football with the charm of a seaside town. Falmer Stadium is located about 5 miles northeast of Brighton city center, accessible via a dedicated train station (Falmer) that becomes very busy on match days. Arriving 1-2 hours before kick-off is recommended to soak in the pre-match atmosphere. The stadium surroundings offer limited entertainment, so many fans choose to spend time in Brighton's vibrant city center before heading to the match. The club has a friendly fanbase, making it welcoming for visiting supporters. Brighton fans are known for their passionate yet respectful support, creating an atmosphere that's enjoyable for football fans of all ages. The stadium itself is modern and comfortable, with excellent sightlines from all areas.
Falmer Stadium, officially known as the American Express Stadium (or the Amex), has been Brighton's home since 2011. With a capacity of just over 31,800, it's a modern, purpose-built football stadium that offers excellent facilities and views from all seats. The stadium's design is distinctive, with its curved roof resembling a seagull in flight – a nod to the club's nickname. Inside, the concourses are spacious with good food and beverage options. The stadium is known for its excellent acoustics, which help create an impressive atmosphere despite its relatively modest size. The pitch quality is consistently excellent, allowing for Brighton's attractive playing style under recent managers. The Amex has become a fortress in recent seasons, with Brighton claiming scalps of many top Premier League sides on their home turf.
When planning your Brighton football experience, you'll need to decide between purchasing just match tickets or opting for a complete package trip. Package trips typically include match tickets, hotel accommodation, and sometimes transportation to the stadium. These packages offer convenience and peace of mind, with everything organized for you. They're particularly valuable for international visitors or those unfamiliar with Brighton. However, if you're comfortable arranging your own accommodation and transportation, buying just the match tickets might be more economical. Brighton's excellent train connections to London (about an hour's journey) make it feasible to visit for a day trip if you're staying in the capital. The travel agencies and ticket providers compared on this page offer both options, allowing you to choose the approach that best suits your preferences and budget.
Brighton & Hove Albion's most significant rivalry is with Crystal Palace, in what's known as the "M23 Derby" (named after the motorway that connects the two areas). Despite the geographical distance between the clubs (approximately 45 miles), this rivalry has been fierce since the 1970s following controversial matches and incidents between the teams. Matches against Crystal Palace always carry extra significance for Brighton fans and create a particularly charged atmosphere. Other regional rivalries include those with Southampton and Portsmouth, though these fixtures occur less frequently in recent years due to the clubs being in different divisions. The rivalry with Palace intensified when both teams competed for promotion to the Premier League, and continues to be one of the more underrated but passionate rivalries in English football.
Brighton & Hove Albion has transformed from a struggling lower-league club to an established Premier League side with European ambitions. Their modern renaissance began under manager Gus Poyet, continued with Chris Hughton who led them to promotion in 2017, and flourished under Graham Potter's attractive playing style. The club has featured several notable English players in recent years, including Lewis Dunk, who has represented England and become a club legend as captain. Adam Lallana brought his England and Liverpool experience to the club in 2020. The Seagulls have become known for their excellent recruitment, bringing in talents like Pascal Groß, Leandro Trossard, and Alexis Mac Allister, who was part of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad before moving to Liverpool. The club's progressive approach has made them one of the Premier League's most admired clubs.
Brighton offers plenty to enjoy beyond football, making it perfect for a weekend trip. The iconic Brighton Pier provides classic seaside entertainment with arcades and rides, while the pebble beach stretches along the seafront. The Royal Pavilion, with its distinctive Indo-Saracenic architecture, is a must-visit historical attraction. The Lanes and North Laine areas offer a maze of narrow streets filled with independent shops, cafes, and restaurants – perfect for pre-match exploration. Brighton is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues if you're staying overnight after a match. For nature lovers, the South Downs National Park is nearby, offering beautiful walking trails with stunning views. Brighton's compact city center means most attractions are within walking distance, making it easy to combine football with sightseeing.