Brighton and Hove Albion have renewed their push to keep supporters inside the American Express Stadium until the final whistle.
Club officials believe a fuller ground late in matches can make a real difference to the team on the pitch.
Brighton and Hove Albion want fans to stop leaving Amex Stadium before full-time
Brighton have urged supporters to remain in their seats until the end of matches at Amex Stadium as the long-running issue of early departures continues.
Fans leaving before full-time has been a talking point since the stadium opened almost 15 years ago, with some supporters jokingly referring to the trend as the “Amexodus”.
The club has now confirmed it is discussing the issue with its Fan Advisory Board in a bid to find ways of keeping stands fuller during the closing stages of games, as per The Argus.
Seagulls chief executive Paul Barber said the atmosphere generated by a packed stadium can help players push for late results, pointing to recent matches where the crowd’s backing proved important.
Brighton have also taken steps to manage post-match congestion by opening The Terrace sports bar inside the stadium, encouraging supporters to remain at the ground for a while after the final whistle rather than rushing straight to the train station.
Despite those efforts, factors such as evening kick-offs, cold weather and tight transport schedules still tempt many supporters to head for the exits early.
FGG says: Public transport issues remain a key issue at the Amex
While clubs naturally want fans to stay until the end, Brighton’s situation highlights a wider issue faced by many stadiums located outside city centres.
The transport network around the Amex has long been a frustration for supporters trying to catch trains after matches, and that pressure inevitably encourages some fans to leave a few minutes early.
Improving the matchday experience late in games is a positive aim, but unless travel logistics around the stadium improve, the early exodus is likely to remain a familiar sight for some time yet.