It is strange to think that just 25 years ago Brighton and Hove Albion were homeless and had only just escaped dropping out of the Football League altogether – in an era when automatic promotion back up was just a dream. It is only 13 years since the Seagulls were able to move into their own state-of-the-art stadium in Falmer. But now things could hardly be better.
Brighton is enjoying its seventh consecutive campaign in the world’s best league and has even made its debut on the continental stage this season. Top players and coaches are attracted by the city and the way that the club is run and the team is regularly a favorite of the sportsbook soccer markets. Fans of a certain age must be pinching themselves, barely believing what is going on at the Amex.
The only downside to Brighton’s recent success is that it is so much more difficult to get a ticket to see the team play now. With a capacity of just over 31,000 and a fan base that stretches all along the coast, season tickets are not even being offered at the moment. Match day tickets are sometimes available if you are lucky, but it will usually be the same passionate fans that pack out the Amex at every home game. The stadium has been used for international games in the past though – so you may be able to sample the atmosphere that way.
Last season’s sixth-place finish enabled Brighton fans to prepare for more adventures. Qualification for the Europa League meant three guaranteed sellout games at home and three trips into Europe for the first time. The anticipation turned to sheer delight when the Seagulls were drawn with Ajax, Marseille, and AEK Athens. Against all odds, Brighton ended up winning four of the six games and topped the group, ensuring a place in the knockout rounds.
As for the league campaign, those dark days in the bottom tier are long gone and Brighton is now pushing to qualify for Europe again. A great start to the season saw the Seagulls top of the table briefly and, although results have stalled a little in recent months, a top-six finish is still very much possible. There is also potential for a long run in the FA Cup, so Brighton fans can definitely look forward to the rest of the 2023-2024 season.
In fact, everyone connected to Brighton and Hove Albion can be safe in the knowledge that the club will be on a secure footing for the considerable future. Roberto De Zerbi looks set to remain in his position as head coach for a while yet and Tony Bloom is a rare combination of owner and firm fans’ favorite. The hometown entrepreneur was given the freedom of the city in 2017 and was recently made an MBE.
Brighton is now regarded as one of the best-run clubs in the world and its economic and performance woes are definitely behind it. You may find it difficult to get a ticket to actually watch a game anytime soon but this is one club that is on the up.
