Brighton & Hove Albion have announced plans to expand the safe standing area at the American Express Stadium ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season, after an overwhelming majority of supporters backed the proposal in a recent club survey.
The extension will see additional rail seating installed in lower rows of the North Stand, increasing the space where fans can stand safely during matches, and is set to be completed during the September 2026 international break.
The move comes after safe standing was introduced at the Amex in 2025, when rail seating was installed in parts of the North Stand to enhance atmosphere and supporter involvement.
Safe standing has grown in popularity across English football as clubs seek to deliver louder, more unified matchday support while maintaining crowd safety standards.
Season ticket holders participated in the consultation in December 2025, with the majority indicating they supported extending safe standing, particularly in central areas of the North Stand where the vocal core of the Albion faithful gather.
The club confirmed it will work with ticket holders whose existing seats are affected, offering a priority window to relocate elsewhere in the stadium before the changes take effect.
Brighton officials say the expanded safe standing areas are expected to further energise matchday atmospheres by giving more supporters the chance to stand collectively behind the team.
The North Stand has long been seen as the heart of the Amex’s vocal support, with fans regularly leading chants that influence home performances.
What the Amex Stadium upgrade involves and how fans will be affected
The expansion project will focus on sections of the North Stand identified through the survey as having the strongest supporter backing for safe standing.
Rail seating allows supporters to stand throughout the match while maintaining safety with waist-high guardrails, a system now common in modern stadiums that have introduced safe standing without compromising regulations.
Brighton’s approach mirrors a broader trend in the Premier League, where clubs such as Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United have also adopted or explored similar rail seating to foster better atmospheres.
The priority window for seat relocation shows the club’s attention to supporter needs, ensuring those displaced by the new areas are offered alternative places.
Off the pitch, the club continues to invest in broader stadium improvements, including larger fan zones and expanded hospitality facilities, as part of a multi-year programme to enhance the matchday experience at the Amex.
This wider investment, supported by chairman Tony Bloom’s ongoing backing, paints a picture of a club focusing on sustainable, fan-centric development.
While capacity remains around 32,000, the introduction of additional safe standing reflects Brighton’s belief that augmenting fan engagement can be as impactful as physical expansion.
It will likely appeal particularly to younger supporters eager to shape the home game atmosphere in the coming seasons.
FGG Says
This decision is a reminder that football infrastructure is about how supporters experience the match, and Brighton’s move to extend safe standing after a clear fan vote acknowledges that club and supporters can shape the stadium experience together.
Rail seating is a smart compromise between tradition and safety, and by listening to the people who fill the Amex week in, week out, Albion are setting a strong example.