Brighton: Inside the Amex’s new fan zone on its first day

I headed down to The Terrace at around 1.30pm, just under four hours until kick off for the Seagulls’ clash against Nottingham Forest, and was struck by how busy the sleek and shiny new building already was.

Plenty of fans had settled down on one of the many tables with a pint and a bit of food and there was a happy buzz in the venue, which, because of the sunny weather, had its partitions pulled back.

The atmosphere was relaxed and there was no risk of missing any important football action thanks to the huge television screens, which were airing the Crystal Palace vs Fulham game.

(Image: Simon Dack) Delicious smells from The Terrace’s selection of food vendors, which offer items including burgers, hot dogs and chicken, wafted through the air and I could spot fans getting to grips with the ordering system on the Albion app as well as taking to the self-service machines.

(Image: Simon Dack) You can also order at the counter or bar.

The American Express Clubhouse can be found upstairs and this was where the launch day’s DJs and bands performed – screened across the venue.

Fans were treated to live music (Image: Simon Dack) There were lots of staff members with signs that read “here to help” as well as stewards and lager backpack carrying team members.

Read more: Everything we know about The Terrace fan zone at the Amex

It felt safe, calm and there was a village feel as match goers milled about and wandered in and out.

(Image: Simon Dack) I thought it was long overdue for the club to have somewhere for fans to gather, chat, drink, eat, relax and come in and out of as they please – rather than being holed up inside the stadium before a game.

I think the wait was worth it though having experienced the finished product.

Other fans agreed.

Bex Seetanah, from Brighton, said she was really excited about the new fan zone.

Bex Seetanah, Ollie Turner and Miles Taylor (Image: The Argus) “I think it’s great,” she said.

“I’ve never seen this many big televisions before.

“It’s all very fancy.

“It’s a really nice day which helps too.

“All the staff have been really helpful and nice.”

Ollie Turner, also from Brighton, said: “It’s a bit cold, that’s my only gripe.

“It’s good to be able to step outside though and the loos are exceptional.”

Jack Oxley, from Brighton, said the building was “breathtaking”.

Tommy Cooper and Jack Oxley (Image: The Argus) “It’s brilliant,” said the 36-year-old.

“The screens are phenomenal.”

His friend Tommy Cooper said it used to be a “nightmare” to get in the stadium for a pre-match drink.

“It’s great to now have a place to meet people especially with the sun out,” said the 37-year-old.

Brothers Kevin and Alan Thomas were also enjoying The Terrace.

Alan and Kevin Thomas (Image: The Argus) “It’s great to have a place for a beer and a sit down,” Kevin, 60, from Heathfield.

“I’m enjoying it.”

Friends Ciaran McCaugham, 24, and Liam Gallagher, 23, thought The Terrace was “really cool”.

The Terrace officially opened today (Image: Simon Dack) “It’s very accessible and you can see the screens well,” said Ciaran, from Worthing.

“It’s nice to have a lot of space and for it to be open plan on a day like today is great,” added Liam, from Crawley.

As the afternoon drew on the programme of live music and DJs got underway and the fan zone became busier and busier as kick off loomed.