I'm thinking that Culver Road has been developed significantly in recent seasons to the point that the Sussex FA feel it can play host to a "showpiece" fixture such as this. I'm not sure that was the case in the past. However, I could be completely wrong on that.
I must admit, I have no idea...
For anyone who wishes to see copious photographic evidence of the Seagulls out-muscling the Musselmen - Simon Roe Photography - Brighton & Hove Albion U23s vs Shoreham 010817
Why would it have been played at Middle Road?
It is the Sussex Community Shield (known as the Roy Hayden Trophy until recently), played between the winners of the Sussex Senior Cup and the Sussex County League (or what is now known as the Southern Combination Football League). It is played at...
Correct, it is a rule for the Premier League 2 competition. I doubt even the Sussex FA are incompetent enough to install an artificial pitch at their own headquarters and then ban such pitches from their own "prestige" season curtain-raiser.