14 years in the making: Fans’ photos of the first game at the Amex Stadium
The first game at the Amex Stadium was one of the most memorable occasions in Brighton & Hove Albion history. Spurs were the visitors for a friendly and not even the Seagulls suffering a 3-2 reversal against their Premier League visitors could ruin a day 14 years in the making.
Tears were shed, legends were paraded on the pitch, there was an opera singer and the sun shone as the house that Dick Knight and Tony Bloom built opened its doors for a first time game for the first time.
Brighton finally had a home to call their own after living a nomadic life since the Goldstone Ground had been taken away by asset stripping trio Bill Archer, Greg Stanley and David Bellotti in 1997.
Needless to say, Brighton supporters were keen to capture that first game at the Amex Stadium in all its glory and that is why we have ended up with a bumper collection of over 100 fans’ photos.
Those who managed to divert their focus away from the stunning sight of the Amex itself to focus on what was happening on the pitch were treated to an extremely entertaining 90 minutes against a strong Spurs side.
Ashley Barnes had the honour of opening the scoring with only 11 minutes played, beating Heurelho Gomes from close range to convert an excellent cross from new £2.5 million record-signing Craig Mackail-Smith.
Spurs scored twice before half time through Younes Kaboul and then Vedran Corluka to make it 2-1 going into the break. Kazenga LuaLua equalised with a thumping effort from outside the box to celebrate his permanent signing from Newcastle United after two successful loan spells but Jake Livermore ensured it finished Brighton 2-3 Spurs after Sexy Pete Brezovan got into a right mess with the ball at his feet.
Not that anyone cared. Brighton were back, the future looked brighter than it ever had and the only way from there was up. What a day.
