We spoke with Paul Mullen, the Operations Director for Brighton & Hove Albion.placeholder image
We spoke with Paul Mullen, the Operations Director for Brighton & Hove Albion.
Brighton’s transformation into one of Britain’s most reliable stages for world-class sport has been reinforced once again after the Amex delivered two acclaimed fixtures at the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
For chief operating officer Paul Mullen, that rugby weekend not only showcased the city’s appeal but also affirmed the club’s growing stature on the international circuit.
More than 60,000 supporters attended across the two days, creating what Mullen described as two of the most memorable scenes the stadium has hosted.
Reflecting on the England and Australia match, he recalled a moment that crystallised years of preparation.
“The teams lining up, the national anthem, the flags. That moment was absolutely incredible,” he reflected.
A day later came an equally powerful experience. “Watching the New Zealand women perform the haka and the whole stadium go silent was just compelling,” he continued.
“There was so much passion and emotion in that moment. It made so many of us proud to witness it in our own stadium."
Those moments sat atop a demanding logistical operation that began more than two years ago.
The Amex needed to be made fully compliant with tournament regulations, including the removal of all sponsor branding.
American Express signage in particular required extensive covering, a task Mullen described as one of the more intricate elements of the operation.
“Providing a clean stadium for a tournament of this size is a significant challenge,” he explained. “But the team did a fantastic job.” For Mullen, Brighton’s suitability as a host city lies in far more than its stadium. He spoke enthusiastically about the appeal of the wider community. “It is a very diverse city. People like coming to Brighton.
"They feel engaged,” he noted.
The Amex itself still impresses visiting delegations thanks to the club’s ongoing investment.
“The stadium may be 13 or 14 years old but it looks brand new,” Mullen added.
“We maintain it to a very high standard.” His own background helps inform that professionalism.
Mullen’s career has taken him through major events across several sports in both the UK and Canada.
He described himself as ‘a generalist rather than a specialist’ and credits the variety of his experiences for shaping his approach.
As a young footballer, he captained Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Youth Cup, a role he believes nurtured his instinct for organisation and responsibility.
New hospitality areas, redevelopment of the south stand, and plans to shift supporters to improve the home atmosphere are all underway.
Mullen believes the stadium will continue to attract global interest, especially within the women’s game.
“High performing female athletes are something we have supported for a long time and will continue to champion,” he said.
Brighton hosted Women’s Euros fixtures in 2022 and is keen to remain a destination for elite women’s sport.
“We always look for opportunities that showcase the club on a global profile,” he added. The fan zone continues to grow too. “The response has been fantastic,” Mullen remarked.
“It is great to see home and away fans mingling in such a comfortable environment."
With the Amex now firmly embedded in the country’s major events landscape, Mullen sees no reason for that momentum to slow.
“We want to continue showcasing the stadium with many different events in the coming years,” he concluded.
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