City To Celebrate Seagulls' Promotion To UEFA Europa League

Brighton & Hove Albion’s promotion to the UEFA Europa League will be celebrated across Brighton.

Blue and white bunting and lamp post banners will soon adorn the city streets and on match days, iconic buildings including the historic Royal Pavilion, will take on a blue and white glow to celebrate the home team’s success.

Businesses and residents are also being encouraged to help ‘dress’ the city in a sea of blue and white to celebrate Brighton & Hove Albion’s UEFA Europa League debut.

The talented squad has qualified for the league for the first time in the club’s history, after finishing sixth in the premier league earlier this year.

It is hoped that enough businesses will come forward to create a trail around the city and provide opportunities for fans to enter competitions and win Albion merchandise.

“We are thrilled and incredibly proud that Brighton & Hove Albion has qualified for the UEFA Europa league for the very first time in the club’s 122-year history,” said Council Leader Bella Sankey.

“To help us to celebrate this historic achievement, we’re dressing the city in blue and white and we’d love to see businesses and residents across the city get creative and dress their windows and public areas in blue and white too.

“It would be a wonderful way to show their support for our fantastic team. Up the Albion!”

Albion skipper Lewis Dunk said:

“As someone born in the city and now captain of the club, I am extremely proud of our achievement of playing in Europe for the first time. It’s a brilliant opportunity to showcase the club and Brighton and Hove and I’m sure the city will be buzzing when we stage our home games. I can’t wait!”

Over the past few years, the Seagulls have soared to success. Following promotion to the Premier League in 2017, the team hit a coveted top six spot at the end of last season, securing their entry into European football.

As well as delighting fans, this success has given the city a huge economic boost, adding millions to the local economy, from creating jobs to supporting the city’s tourism and hospitality sector.

“Europa League football represents a massive opportunity for both the club and city,” said councillor Ty Goddard, lead for economic development.

“A recent independent economic impact assessment, commissioned by Brighton & Hove Albion, reported that the club’s 2022/23 Premier League success contributed £595 million to the local economy. 

“Competing in the UEFA Europa League could add a further £80 million next season.”

The report added that the Amex Stadium hosted more than 830 events in 2022/23 attracting 48,000 guests who contributed £3.5 million to other parts of the economy.

And last season, Albion games reached a televised audience of more than 83 million, including 75 million viewers from all over the world. 

“A club saved by its fans, now gets to play on the European stage and we look forward to welcoming European teams and new fans to our city,” said Cllr Goddard.

“We’re extremely excited about the opportunities which will undoubtedly open up for local businesses. There’s even a possibility that fans’ favourites Piglet Pies and Harvey’s Best will end up as global brands off the back of Albion’s success!’’

An online guide for visiting away fans has been launched by VisitBrighton, the city’s official tourism website, with details of how to get to the city and stadium, where to stay and how to enjoy everything Brighton & Hove has to offer:  Brighton Football | Away Game in Brighton (visitbrighton.com)

The 2023/24 UEFA Europa League group stage draw:

Group Stage Matches will take place on: 

• 21 September 2023 - Brighton vs AEK Athens
• 5 October 2023 - Marseille vs Brighton
• 26 October 2023 - Brighton vs Ajax
• 9 November 2023 - Ajax vs Brighton
• 30 November 2023 - AEK Athens vs Brighton
• 14 December 2023 - Brighton vs Marseille