Today is the day.

Fans will gather for the first game at the American Express Community Stadium.

After a 14-year battle for a new stadium Albion’s development side will be taking on Eastbourne Borough for the Sussex Senior Challenge Cup.

With its 22,500 padded seats, huge screen TV and eight luxury executive suites, the £100 million stadium is a far cry from Withdean.

Argus reporters Neil Vowles and Ruth Lumley are at the stadium already.

Ruth has caught the train from Brighton Station while Neil is trying out the new park and ride.

Second goal at Amex. Steve Cook confirms the first bit of silverware for the Amex trophy cabinet.

4.40pm Chants of sign him up after Gary Hart's goal from the North Stand fans.

4.35pm Crowd cheer as first ever goal at Amex is scored by Gary Hart.

Half time o-o

3.50pm Neil: "The hi-tech Amex pitch has withstood the deluge of rain and is still lookin immaculate."

3.35pm Neil: "Classy touch at the new stadium - even the coffee cups have the Seagull logo on."

3.35pm Still 0-0 at the Amex. Fans having a great time. Cries of "We are Brighton", singing "Sussex by the Sea" and a good crowd from Eastbourne too."

3.05pm Huge cheers and the game has started.

2.35 Neil: “It seems unfair to judge everything here by Withdean standards but the music is booming from the stadium speakers like never before at Albion.”

2.30pm Kay Barry, 53, from Shoreham, said: “I have been supporting Brighton and Hove Albion for 40 years.

We came to the stadium of Wednesday because there was an open evening for season ticket holders. “It just took our breath away.

“We have waited 14 years for this. We were nearly in tears.”

Her daughter Colette Barry, 31, from Hove, added: “I am a PE teacher at Peacehaven Community School and all the kids are buzzing and loving it.

“They have got season tickets and t-shirts. It is not about Manchester United and Chelsea anymore. It is about Brighton and Hove Albion.

“Without Tony Bloom and Gus Poyet this would not be happening. They have turned this football club around.”

2.15pm Ian Royer, 45, from Eastbourne, says he couldn't wait to take a look at the new stadium and is overwhelmed by what he's seen so far.

2.10pm John Town, from Eastbourne, says the stadium is a lovely place and he's looking forward to today's match.

2pm Albion fan of 32 years John Donovan from Saunders Park View said he's most looking forward to getting to his seat and settling in to the new ground.

Three generations of The Burford family headed down from Kent today. Daughter Laura-Jane is being treated with a new Albion top.

1.40pm Neil said the new club shop is packed and he does not think it’s just people ducking out of the rain. “Quite a few new home shirts are being snapped up”.

1.30pm: Simon James from Newhaven and his sons Mitchell and Charlie are most looking forward to see Gary Hart leading the team out.

1.25pm: Neil: “Well the park and ride was nice and easy. Within ten minutes I’m at the Amex.”

1.20pm: “The weather hasn't dampened fans enthusiasm for the game. Four coach loads have already headed to the Amex via the Lewes Road park and ride.”

1.15pm: I'm on my way to the Amex 4 its first game via the park and ride scheme on a rather fetching pink bus.

1pm: Ruth: “Quite a few people getting on the train at London Road. The real test will be getting the train from Falmer to Brighton after the match.”