The club is delighted to announce that the stadium-build contractors Buckingham Group will take possession of the new site, as planned, in early December. 

Work will begin immediately as the builders prepare the site for an official "kick-off" ceremony on Wednesday 17th December, to mark the start of construction of the club's new stadium.

However, the club would like to stress that for safety reasons, supporters should not turn up to the ceremony uninvited. 

Albion chairman Dick Knight explained, "This is what we've been waiting for and working for. At this historic moment for the club I know many fans would like to be there to witness it - but even by 17th December the site will be a working one.

"We also have to be respectful to our neighbours. We have always said we would build the stadium with the minimum of disruption. Imagine the headlines - and the ammunition to opponents of the stadium - if the first official event is ruined by traffic and parking chaos. Therefore we have to limit the numbers who can attend the event.

"However to guarantee that a number of Albion fans can share this moment with the club, we have decided that a ballot system is the fairest way to choose those present at the event."

Fans who wish to attend should either apply to press@bhafc.co.uk or by post to Falmer Ballot, Brighton & Hove Albion FC, 44 North Road, Brighton BN1 1YR. Applications should include full name, address and contact telephone and/or email details, and must be received by Monday 1st December to be entered into the ballot, to be held the following day.

Knight added, "A number of fans will then be selected at random and invited to join us at Withdean, from where buses will ferry the ceremony guests to the site at Falmer. It's frustrating that we have to limit numbers, but I'm sure all Albion fans will understand why we have to control the start event in this way.

"The good news is that extensive media coverage is expected of the event, with the club website seagulls.co.uk and Seagulls World leading the way, while the season ticket holders' and members' DVD, due out in the New Year, will also include detailed coverage of the first stages of work at Falmer."

Meanwhile, Martin Perry has confirmed the archaeologists' dig which has been taking place on site at Falmer has cleared the way for work to begin in December. The Albion chief-executive said, "The archaeologists have carried out a very detailed survey and we have been reassured that the investigations will be completed in time for us to start in December.

"The way is clear for the Buckingham Group to start setting up the site exactly when we planned. After the official 'kick-off' on 17th December the hard work starts as Buckinghams begin the building of our new stadium. Exciting as this is for us all, we must ask that wherever possible you keep away from the site as work progresses.

"It is very important that we do not disrupt the activities of the University of Brighton or disturb the residents of Falmer Village. Equally important, this is now a building site and very stringent health and safety regulations will be applied. Under no circumstances should anyone try to access the site and there are no parking facilities there.

"To keep you informed there will be regular updates in the match programme and on the club website and we plan to erect a webcam as soon as possible so that you can see the progress for yourself sitting at your PC. This is a very exciting time for our fans, the club and the city - the beginning of the end of the battle for our new home!"