Brighton will end a 14-year wait for a permanent home when they move into the American Express Community Stadium for the start of next season

The Sussex Senior Cup final will be the first match played at Brighton & Hove Albion's new Amex Stadium.

The tie, which will take place on Saturday, 16 July, comes a month before the Seagulls play their first league game at the new ground.

The Sussex County Football Association member's club voted unanimously in favour of the final being played there.

The attendance will be limited to 10,000 in order for the match to fulfil safety criteria.

The Seagulls have been without a permanent home since leaving the Goldstone Ground in 1997.

They spent two seasons ground-sharing with Gillingham before returning to Sussex to play at the Withdean Stadium in 1999, where they have remained since.

Permission to build a new ground near Falmer was granted in 2007 after a long-running planning battle.

It will provide a great occasion for the players and fans of the clubs who reach the final Sussex County FA chairman Peter Bentley

Albion chief executive Martin Perry said: "For the teams still in the competition it is sure to provide an extra incentive.

"It gives us an ideal ramp-up event - ahead of our own flagship friendly, and that long-awaited first league game next August."

Sussex County Football Association chairman Peter Bentley added: "We are delighted to be invited to the Amex to play the final.

"It will provide a great occasion for the players and fans of the clubs who reach the final."

Full ticketing details will be announced at a later date, but the Sussex County FA will receive an allocation of tickets for their members, in line with the competition's rules.

The Seagulls will put the remaining tickets on sale, giving corporate members and season-ticket holders priority.

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