A state-of-the art stadium has received its first corporate booking.

The inaugural event at the £93 million American Express Community Stadium will be a St George’s Day Celebration – but it will not take place until July 8.

The Brighton and Hove St George’s Day fundraising lunch is run by business people Richard Heath, Steve Darby and Jodi Howard to support the Chestnut Tree House and Help for Heroes charities.

Mr Heath, structural surveyor for Lansdowne Specialist Contractors in Clarendon Place, Portslade, said: “We have delayed the celebration because we thought we would get more support if we move it away from the bank holidays and the royal wedding – and most importantly, to have it as the very first event at the stadium.

“We are staunch Brighton and Hove Albion supporters and so it means a lot to us to have the very first event at the stadium.

“We are expecting the event to be a sell out with 450 guests on tables of ten, costing £650. The event includes a three-course meal and entertainment including a 30-piece marching band and top speakers and comedians.”

Polly Harrison, marketing and events manager at the Amex said: “We have now taken bookings for four charity events, including sponsoring our own Macmillan Cancer Care Centre fundraiser and we have about 25 other bookings for weddings, dinners, exhibitions, business AGMs and even four Christmas parties.’’ Tables are still available for the St George’s day celebration and can be booked by emailing Mr Heath at brightonandhovestgeorgesday@hotmail.co.uk