Some football stadiums are a little ugly. Some are strangely positioned and architecturally awkward. Then there is Brighton's new ground.
As you drive over the brow of the hill from Lewes (I think I my geography is correct) you see the brilliant white roof meshing rising above the wheat fields.
I've been to many grounds on the opening day of the season but there was a real buzz at the Amex last Saturday - a buzz that only comes from years of frustration at not having a place to call home.
As I mentioned on BBC1's Football Focus when talking to Brighton's chairman Tony Bloom - it was almost like a Jane Fonda video outside the ground with all the whoopping and hollering going on.
I should also say thank you to the eight million people who have mentioned the difference in height between Mr Bloom and I.
It wasn't quite Gandalf and Bilbo as one person claimed, but I admit there was an alarming height difference.
From about 1430 BST onwards there was furious flag waving inside the stadium in preparation for the arrival of Gus Poyet's League One champions.
When they turned up, Robbie Savage looked at me and said: "This is a bit special." Even Lawro, who has been there, seen it and won it, was on his feet.
From the minute we arrived at the ground on Thursday there was a real friendliness about the place. There were no 'you-can't-park-there' stewards.
The guy on reception offered us a cake and everyone went out of their way to be helpful.
There was a real pride in the fact that it was their stadium - a sort of collective living room for all Brighton fans who have waited 14 years for the privilege.
I remember the first time I heard the story of Jacob at Sunday school. He had to work for a bloke called Laban for 14 years to earn the right to marry his daughter, Rachel.
Brighton have finally moved into their new stadium after a long struggle with the council. Photo: Getty
He must have loved her after all that effort! I imagine that is why the Seagulls are so high on emotion at the moment.
The game itself couldn't have finished any better for them. It was as though the script writer had consulted Des Lynam and Fatboy Slim (famous Brighton fans for those not in the know!).
Poyet was sent to the stands for booting bottles inside the first 30 minutes and Doncaster Rovers - despite all the attention on the home side - were deservedly ahead through Billy Sharp.
On came Will Buckley in the second half and the �1m man scored twice. The second came in the 98th minute of the match, leaving large swathes of the Amex ground in various stages of delirium.
Who knows what will happen if they challenge for promotion this season?!
From a Football Focus perspective, things went very well for our first show of the new season.
It was great to see the Brighton team in the dressing room live on air, the guests were great and Mr Lawrenson and Mr Savage were on fine form.
The only disappointment about the day - and the ground in general - was the half-time snack. Mr Savage and I were gathering grub for the rest of the team.
The young fella serving us lost his concentration halfway through the transaction when he looked up and realised he was staring at Robbie. "You're Robbie Savage aren't you," he exclaimed.
I think his excitement might have caused him to hit buttons a little hastily because four burgers, two hot dogs and a Double Decker came to just shy of 35 notes!
The burger was not of remarkable quality. It wasn't quite in the same league as one I had at The Vetch a few years ago that made me seriously consider vegetarianism (for about a minute) but I'll opt for a pie the next time I make it to Brighton.
I'd be interested to know if you have any pie / burger recommendations from your own travels.
Burnley and Barnsley do a mean meat and potato number and - even though I have no idea what's in the Mega Dog available at Hillsborough - for the name alone it makes the top three.
We have a lovely show lined up for you this week in our new Salford studio. I'm not allowed to show you any pictures of the set yet but I can tell you that Patrick Vieira will be joining us on the seats (no longer a sofa).
Pele and Eric Cantona will be featuring and we'll have a rare heart-to-heart with the one and only Mick McCarthy. Throw in Paulo Di Canio, the best goals, a Premier League preview and Samuel L Jackson and you're on your way to a winner.
If you have any comments/questions about the show, Brighton, the season ahead or football based food then stick them below. If you want to follow the build-up, and see the first sight of our new studio, then check my Twitter @danwalkerbbc
See you Saturday, 1215 BST on BBC 1.
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/danwalker/2011/08/the_beauty_of_brighton.html
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