Albion fans and even chairman Tony Bloom have been enjoying the sights of Athens ahead of Brighton’s big Europa League match.

Thousands were sat outside bars in the warm temperatures while others took in the fascinating history of the city before tonight’s 5.45pm kick off against AEK Athens.

Even chairman Tony Bloom enjoyed the landmarks of the capital before heading to the match at the Opap Arena.

He enjoyed a dinner with Brighton’s hierarchy and their AEK Athens counterparts at a restaurant looking over The Acropolis last night.

The Argus: Tony Bloom and Paul Barber, left, having a meal with their Greek counterparts last nightTony Bloom and Paul Barber, left, having a meal with their Greek counterparts last night (Image: AEK)

Brighton fan David Thompson was in the city with friends and saw Albion’s chairman.

He said: “We just walked past Tony Bloom casually dressed in what looked like a jogging outfit rather than his smart Brighton and Hove Albion jacket and tie. He’s obviously been enjoying walking past The Acropolis pre game with friends before heading to the match dressed smart as our chairman.

“We left the main bar restaurant area, I think he was walking down towards them so I imagine received a hero’s welcome if he went there.”

Fans are currently on their way to the ground but many are also going to a Fatboy Slim gig in Athens tonight after the match.

The Argus: Matthew O'Regan with the view of Athens behind him from The AcropolisMatthew O'Regan with the view of Athens behind him from The Acropolis (Image: Supplied)

Matthew O’Regan, 22, from Brighton, is one of those who will be at the DJ’s gig.

He said: “I flew out with my mum, dad, and two brothers. We are leaving very early tomorrow, I’m going to a Fatboy Slim gig tonight which is sold out.

“The locals are friendly. Athens has been very good, it is not really like Amsterdam and Marseille, there is about a ten minute radius walk between the Brighton fans.”

The Argus: Josh Beckett at the Panathenaic Stadium in AthensJosh Beckett at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens (Image: Supplied)

Mark Smith, from Lancing, said: “We flew out from Stansted. There was about 50 fans on the flight chanting most of the way. We have had a lovely lunch and a couple of drinks. The locals seem really friendly.”

Josh Beckett, 22, from Burgess Hill, said: "We are here till Saturday so those will be our touristy days. We're going to the Fatboy Slim gig tonight."

Kick off is in just under 45 minutes.