The Seagulls left their old Goldstone Ground in 1997 since when they have ground-shared with Gillingham before playing their home games at the Withdean Stadium.
Albion chairman Dick Knight told the club's official website: "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 even by December 17 the site will be a working one.
"A number of fans will be selected at random and invited to join us at Withdean, from where buses will ferry the ceremony guests to the site at Falmer.
"It's frustrating that we have to limit numbers, but I'm sure all Albion fans will understand why we have to control the start event in this way."