Hello, Photomo members! This is CityNomix. Guided by our theme of “Walk, Shoot, Write,” I embarked on a journey to Brighton, a charming port city in the south of England, to witness the brilliance of Japan’s national football star, Kaoru Mitoma, at the Amex Stadium. While my usual work revolves around digital marketing, exploring and documenting local cultures during my travels is a significant part of my life. The primary purpose of this trip was to attend Web Summit 2024 in Lisbon. However, upon checking the schedule, I discovered a Premier League match coinciding with my visit – a golden opportunity I couldn’t pass up! Without hesitation, I planned a day trip from London to Brighton.
Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of London, a comfortable 1.5-hour train ride brought me to Brighton Station. The first thing that greeted my ears was the cry of seagulls, a quintessential sound of a harbor town that immediately put me at ease. From the station, a dedicated train service runs directly to the stadium, and incredibly, it’s free for match ticket holders – a fantastic gesture of hospitality towards the fans.
The Open and Invigorating Amex Stadium
Upon arriving at the Amex Stadium, I was immediately struck by its open and inviting atmosphere. Despite the cloudy sky, the proximity of the pitch to the stands created an incredibly immersive experience. Outside the stadium, food trucks lined up, offering everything from the classic fish and chips to refreshing beers, creating a lively pre-match buzz. Naturally, I indulged in the local specialty, fish and chips, to get into the spirit of the day.
The stadium shop was a treasure trove of merchandise in the team’s blue and white colors. My main target, of course, was a Kaoru Mitoma jersey. I opted for the customization service to have my name printed alongside his number 22. At the checkout, the cashier asked, “Mitoma?” and his approving “Nice!” made me feel a sense of pride in supporting such a talented player.
Having learned beforehand that beer wasn’t available inside the stadium, I made sure to enjoy one before heading to my seat. The atmosphere around the stadium was friendly and relaxed. Contrary to any preconceived notions of hooliganism, I saw many families and older fans, highlighting the deep-rooted local football culture.
Kaoru Mitoma’s Brilliance and a Dramatic Comeback Victory
Finally, kickoff arrived. The opponent was the reigning champion, Manchester City – a significant home game. My seat was in a prime location, just a stone’s throw from the pitch, allowing me to clearly see every move Kaoru Mitoma made.
In the first half, Manchester City dominated possession, and Brighton conceded an early goal. However, the Brighton players maintained their focus and managed to keep the deficit to just one goal by halftime. Even in the first half, Kaoru Mitoma displayed relentless defense and created several opportunities with his sharp dribbling. His dedication laid the groundwork for the dramatic comeback in the second half.
As the second half began, Brighton gradually gained control of the game. With Kaoru Mitoma at the heart of their attacks, they repeatedly threatened the Manchester City defense. The breakthrough finally came when Brighton scored the equalizer, sending the stadium into a frenzy. Riding the momentum, Brighton then scored a second goal, securing a remarkable come-from-behind victory!
The moment the final whistle blew, the entire stadium erupted in joyous celebration. The Brighton supporters’ chant of “See ya!” directed at the away fans, was delivered with such fervor that it gave me goosebumps. On the train back to the station, the Brighton fans continued their singing and chanting, their excitement palpable. Even as a neutral observer, the “Albion! Albion!” chant resonated deeply within me.
The only slight hiccup was the return journey. Having stayed until the end of the match, the dedicated train from the stadium was packed, and the journey back to London took a surprising three hours. It’s advisable to factor in extra travel time if you plan to stay for the entire game.
An Unforgettable Experience in Brighton
Visiting Brighton, witnessing Kaoru Mitoma’s performance firsthand at the Amex Stadium, and experiencing that dramatic victory was an unforgettable day in my life. The stadium atmosphere, the warmth of the local people, and above all, the brilliance of Kaoru Mitoma’s play – it all contributed to a perfect memory.
My souvenirs from the trip were a customized Brighton jersey with Kaoru Mitoma’s number and the matchday program. Both are cherished mementos of this incredible experience.
The town of Brighton itself, with the sound of seagulls greeting you upon arrival at the station, has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Next time, I hope to explore the town more thoroughly, in addition to catching another game. I definitely want to return to the Amex Stadium to relive the excitement and passion I experienced there.
Related Link: Brighton & Hove Albion Official Website