News

Iftar meal will be held at the Amex for the first time

400 members of the Muslim community invited to ground-breaking event.

By BHAFC • 20 March 2023

By Paul Hazlewood
Our last home game of the season is against Manchester City.

Albion are pleased to announce that we will become one of the first Premier League clubs to hold a fast-breaking or iftar meal at the American Express Community Stadium on Monday 27 March during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

More than 400 members of the Muslim community have been invited to the event, which is the first of its kind to be held at the stadium.

One of five activations taking place as part of Ramadan Festival 2023, Open Iftar events are the flagship initiative of Ramadan Tent Project, an award-winning charity that brings communities together and spreads the spirit of Ramadan through various initiatives.

Since 2013, Open Iftar has connected over 500,000 people across the country at some of Britain’s most iconic cultural spaces, from the Royal Albert Hall to Wembley Stadium and Trafalgar Square as well as at regional events.

Open Iftar bridges communities and is a space in which our commonalities are highlighted, our differences celebrated and human connection is forged. There will be speeches, stalls, spiritual reflection and a call to prayers at pitch-side led by a local Iman at sunset followed by a meal to break the fast. This meal is called Iftar.

Among those attending are Muslim players attending our Academy and Regional Talent Centres.

Chief executive Paul Barber said, “The Ramadan Tent Project have hosted some amazing Iftars at iconic venues around the UK, so we are proud to be one of the first Premier League clubs to be hosting an Iftar meal at the Amex and to be welcoming 400 members of the Muslim community here in Sussex.  

“It is important to share this celebration in the holy month of Ramadan with football fans from all backgrounds and to help promote mutual respect and understanding in our community.  

It will mean a lot not only to the Muslim community in Sussex but also to the staff and players at the club who will be fasting during Ramadan. We look forward to hosting a special Iftar.” 

Sarah Gould, the club’s supporter services manager, said, “As a club we pride ourselves on our inclusivity and willingness to engage with everyone. This is a ground-breaking event, the first of its kind in Brighton, and promises to be a wonderful occasion open to everyone to bring people together and celebrate the holiest month of the Islamic calendar.”  

To attend the event get tickets here