ALBION hopes to bring the Euros to Brighton by adding hundreds of seats to the Amex – but the coronavirus crisis has put plans on hold.
The £4 million extension would add 1,750 seats by creating a new 318-seat area above the North Stand and filling in existing terraces.
This would bring stadium capacity to 32,500 if Brighton and Hove City Council approves the plans.
The increased number of seats means the Amex would be eligible to host European Championships matches if England bids to host Euro 2028, something the Football Association has hinted at previously.
But Albion executive director Martin Perry said all plans to carry out the extension are on hold due to the coronavirus crisis.
“The planning applications were submitted prior to the coronavirus crisis and therefore are being considered by the council,” he said.
“However all plans to carry out the work are on hold due to the very obvious financial pressures the club, and football industry, is facing.
“Our priority at this time is people’s health, protecting jobs at our club and Albion In The Community, and supporting our owner as best we can.”
Outside the Amex the club plans to improve the north west fan zone with a large TV screen, a small club shop and food kiosks.
Inside the stadium it will replace a University of Sussex office in the North Stand with a planned Northern Lights Hospitality Lounge for 277 people.
Albion also plans to build a smaller North East Corner lounge for 50 people.
The club estimates the move will boost Brighton’s economy by £528,000 each year and create 44 full-time jobs.
“If the expanded facility is occupied in the same proportions as the current facility, then the additional visits will result in £1. 485 million of additional spend in the venue and a further £528,000 in the local economy,” an economic report stated.
“The club’s stadium expansion plans will help meet the local and regional demand for additional seats and hospitality and event space at both match day and non-match day events.”
The news comes as Albion announced they have no immediate plans to furlough staff.
A club statement on Wednesday said it would keep its financial situation under “constant review” as it looks to cut costs.
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