This is the first image of the American Express Community Stadium.

The city’s largest private employer has signed a “landmark” multi-year deal with the county’s biggest football team to name the £93 million development.

The agreement, which will formally be announced today, has been heralded as a “great deal for the club, the company and the city”.

The move means the stadium, which is expected to be dubbed “The Amex”, will be used as a hub for community learning and engagement.

The club would not confirm how long the deal was for or how much it was worth.

The 22,500-seater stadium will officially be named today ahead of its opening in summer 2011.

Albion chairman Tony Bloom, who funded the stadium, said: “This is a landmark deal.

“We are very proud our fabulous new stadium and to have such a prestigious global brand prepared to put its name to it shows just how good it is.

“American Express is committed to the local community and is the perfect partner for us. I would like to thank them for their support.”

Michael Edwards, senior vice president of the firm, said: “We are delighted to be part of this collaboration with the club on what will undoubtedly be a major destination for Brighton and Hove.

“As the city’s largest private-sector employer, this partnership underscores out long-term commitment to the area and builds upon our 30 year heritage of supporting local community initiatives.”

Club officials have been in discussions with the firm for the last two years.

The Argus broke the news last month when it discovered an internet domain name linking the two had been registered.

The move, believed to be the firm’s first sponsorship venture into stadium naming rights, will see the finance company’s logo opposite the player’s tunnel.

Large logos will also be displayed on the stadium’s exterior.

The money from the agreement will be used to assist Albion in the Community’s learning and social inclusion programmes.

Martin Perry, the club’s chief executive, said: “This is a great deal for the club, a great deal for the company and a great deal for the city.”