Brighton & Hove Albion Matchday Guide — Amex Stadium
Everything you need to know about a Seagulls matchday: getting to Falmer, the ground, and where to eat and drink afterwards in the city.
# Brighton & Hove Albion Matchday Guide — Amex Stadium
Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club — the Seagulls — has called the Amex Stadium home since 2011. Located in Falmer, just outside the city and adjacent to the University of Sussex campus, the ground is one of the most accessible Premier League stadiums in England. Whether you're a season ticket holder, a regular visitor, or planning your first trip, here's what you need to know about a matchday at the Amex.
Getting to Falmer: The Train is Your Best Bet
The overwhelming majority of Albion supporters arrive at the Amex by train, and for good reason. Falmer railway station sits right beside the ground — a genuinely car-free matchday experience. From Brighton station (the city's main transport hub), it's a short, straightforward train journey of just a few minutes. The station has frequent services, and you'll find yourself walking through the turnstiles within minutes of stepping onto the platform.
If you're travelling from London, Brighton station is well-connected: trains from London Victoria take around 50 minutes, and services from Gatwick Airport run to approximately 30 minutes. Check the club's official guidance for matchday travel updates and any service changes on the day.
Driving and parking near the ground is heavily restricted, so the train really is the best way to travel. The Falmer station experience — walking up to the stadium with thousands of other fans — is part of the matchday ritual.
The Hours Before Kick-Off
Most supporters arrive well before the match starts. The walk from Falmer station to the ground is short and straightforward, passing through the University of Sussex campus. You'll see the Amex's distinctive architecture emerge as you approach; the stadium's clean, modern lines make it unmistakable.
Many fans spend time in the bars and hospitality areas inside the ground, or in the designated fan zones outside. The club operates dedicated food and drink facilities on matchday — check their website for current offerings and any facilities updates.
Arriving early means you can soak up the pre-match atmosphere without rushing, grab a bite, and get settled in your seat before the action begins. For exact kick-off times and fixture details, always check the official Brighton & Hove Albion website.
During the Match
The Amex is a modern, all-seater stadium with excellent views from every angle. The atmosphere on matchday is vibrant — the Seagulls' fanbase is passionate and welcoming to visitors. The ground has a capacity that varies depending on the fixture; the club's website will confirm exact figures for your visit.
Facilities throughout the stadium are clean and well-maintained. Food, drink, and merchandise are available at concourses throughout the ground. Come prepared for East Sussex weather — even on mild days, the Falmer site can catch the wind.
The Journey Back Into the City
After the final whistle, the journey home is simple: retrace your steps to Falmer station and hop back on the train to Brighton. Services are frequent, and the station handles matchday crowds well.
But if you're not in a rush, this is where a Brighton matchday really shines. The city centre is just minutes away, and it's the perfect opportunity to explore some of the areas that make Brighton & Hove special.
Where to Eat and Drink After the Match
North Laine
North Laine is Brighton's bohemian quarter — a maze of independent shops, bars, and restaurants just north of Brighton station. The area has almost no chain retail; instead, you'll find a vibrant mix of locally-owned businesses ranging from casual to upmarket. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or somewhere to settle in for the evening, North Laine has something for every budget and taste.
The neighbourhood is known for its strong vegetarian and vegan scene, a legacy dating back to the 1990s. But you'll also find excellent seafood — Sussex waters provide fresh mackerel, bass, scallops, and rock — alongside international cuisines. Head to the BrightonAndHove.co guide to North Laine restaurants and bars to explore options that suit you.
Kemp Town
Kemp Town, in the BN2 postcode area east of the city centre, is Brighton & Hove's LGBTQ+ hub and home to some of the city's finest Regency architecture. The area has a thriving food and drink scene, with everything from laid-back cafés to more formal dining. Kemp Town's character is distinctly independent and creative — perfect for a relaxed post-match evening.
The neighbourhood also sits close to Brighton Beach, the city's famous free pebble beach that runs from Hove to Black Rock. On a fine day, even in autumn and winter, it's worth a walk.
The Lanes
The Lanes is the city's historic medieval quarter, south of North Laine. While it's famous for jewellery shops and upmarket boutiques, it also has excellent independent restaurants and cafés. It's a little more formal and quieter than North Laine, and ideal if you want a more intimate evening.
Practical Checklist
Before you go: - Check the official Brighton & Hove Albion website for ticket availability, kick-off times, and any fixture-specific information - Book your train ticket in advance if you're travelling from further afield — see our Brighton to London train guide for route options - Check the weather forecast and come prepared
Getting there: - Take the train to Falmer station (minutes from Brighton city centre) - Arrive early to soak up the atmosphere - Avoid driving; parking near the ground is heavily restricted
Afterwards: - Head into North Laine, Kemp Town, or The Lanes for food and drink - Check out our sports clubs and activities directory if you want to explore other ways to get involved in Brighton & Hove's sporting community - Take time to explore the city — you're in one of England's most vibrant coastal destinations
A matchday at the Amex is about more than just the football. It's an excuse to spend time in a city that celebrates independence, creativity, and community. Enjoy it.