Albion fans can win tickets to an official “kick-off” ceremony for the club’s new stadium at Falmer.

Contractor Buckingham Group is to take possession of the site as planned early next month, signifying an end of the club's long battle for a permanent home.

To mark the occasion, an official handover ceremony will be held on December 17 and supporters can enter a postal ballot to be able to attend.

Brighton and Hove Albion last night refused to confirm the number of places available but revealed that archaeologists who have been digging at the site for the past few weeks have cleared the way for work to begin.

Albion chairman Dick Knight said: “This is what we’ve been waiting for and working for.

“At this historic moment for the club, I know many fans would like to be there to witness it – but the site will be a working one.

“We also have to be respectful to our neighbours.

We have always said we would build the stadium with the minimum of disruption.

“However, to guarantee that a number of Albion fans can share this moment with the club, we have decided that a ballot system is the fairest way to choose those present at the event."

The news has been welcomed by supporters as the next step in the long fight for a new home since leaving the Goldstone Ground in 1997.

Paul Samrah, the chairman of the Falmer For All campaign, said: “It is wonderful news and finally we can see light at the end of the tunnel. It is an achievement that it is being built at all in the current economic climate.

“I think the general mood is that we can't quite believe it. We've had so many knocks but our dream is finally about to be realised.”

Meanwhile fans have been warned to stay away from the stadium site at Village Way North as work progresses over the coming months.

Albion chief executive Martin Perry said: “Exciting as this is for us all, we must ask that wherever possible fans keep away from the site as work progresses.

"It is very important that we do not disrupt the activities of the University of Brighton or disturb the residents of Falmer village.

“Equally important, this is now a building site and very stringent health and safety regulations will be applied.

“Under no circumstances should anyone try to access the site and there are no parking facilities there.”

Albion hope to kick off the 2011-12 season in the £60 million stadium.

Fans who wish to attend the ceremony should apply to press@bhafc.co.uk or by post to Falmer Ballot, Brighton and Hove Albion, 44 North Road, Brighton, BN1 1YR. Applications should include full name, address and contact details, and must be received by December 1 for the ballot, to be held the following day.