Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club
Rainbow worked with the team at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club in 2025 to supply furniture for the ground floor areas and the mezzanine level. The indoor and outdoor space combined has the capacity for up to 3,000 people – making it the largest hospitality space in the premier league.
The Brief
Brighton & Hove Albion FC sought to enhance the fan experience at the American Express Stadium by creating a vibrant new facility that could be used on both matchdays and non-matchdays. The vision was to deliver a space that not only entertained fans after the final whistle but also served as a central hub for food, drink, and social interaction – with the flexibility to host events year-round.
The Solution
A brand-new Fan Zone opened on 1st April 2025 for the 2024/25 Premier League season, offering a modern, multi-functional venue designed to accommodate up to 1,000 fans when doors are closed. Located where the stadium’s south and east concourses meet and naturally integrated into the existing slope of the land, the two-level building includes a double-height central area filled with a range of food and drink vendors.
The architectural concept draws inspiration from classic British market halls, paired with a modern twist influenced by venues like BOXPARK at Wembley. On the ground floor, large moveable walls create a fluid connection between the interior and exterior, leading into the heart of the space. The upper floor offers additional seating, a bar, and social areas with views over the main hall.
The ground floor furniture included bespoke outdoor benches made from steel and Iroko timber, specifically designed to seat eight people per bench. To add a special touch, we CNC-engraved the words “THE TERRACE” into the Iroko tabletops using the branding provided by the club.
On the mezzanine level, we supplied all the bar stools, which were bespoke-made, and powder-coated in American Express’s corporate blue colour (RAL 5022), as well as wire chairs and stools in the same blue. The tables were designed to coordinate seamlessly, featuring blue pedestal bases, white tops, and blue edge banding.
Summary
Strategically positioned between the railway line to the north and stadium walkways to the south and west, the layout has been carefully designed to support smooth fan movement during peak times. A large overhanging roof provides natural shading and shelter – even covering tiered outdoor seating that blends seamlessly into the hillside.
In addition to enhancing the matchday atmosphere, the venue has been designed as a year-round leisure destination, capable of hosting sports screenings, concerts, and community events.
This new Fan Zone brings an exciting dimension to the Amex Stadium – a flexible, social space that enhances the fan journey before and after matches, while also serving as a vibrant entertainment venue on non-matchdays. Drawing on both traditional and contemporary design influences, the facility is built with fans in mind and rooted in the unique character of its location.
Key Outcomes
- Enhanced Fan Experience: The new Fan Zone delivers a vibrant, engaging environment that significantly improves the matchday and non-matchday experience for up to 1,000 fans – offering food, drink, and social spaces designed to entertain before and after games.
- Flexible, Year-Round Venue: Purpose-built to operate beyond football fixtures, the space supports a wide range of uses including sports screenings, concerts, and community events – transforming the stadium into a multifunctional destination.
- Seamless Integration of Design and Branding: With architectural inspiration from British market halls and bespoke furniture designed in the club’s branding and colours, the Fan Zone reflects both contemporary style and the unique identity of Brighton & Hove Albion FC.
Special thanks to the entire project team
Architect: BDP Pattern
Interior Designer: ITS Interiors
Suppliers: Tables for Business, Origin, LRH Projects
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