First game advice?

[Ashleyout1872]

Might be in Newcastle with a mate next weekend thinking of going to the Brighton game if there's any tickets left.

Hate the football tourists that pollute grounds like old Trafford but can ensure you I'm not the type for asking for selfies with opposition players and eating popcorn.

Anybody recommend good seats or pubs that are friendly to outsiders?

[bodacious benny]

I only get to a couple of home games a season, but I've never found a pub that's unfriendly to non-local fans.

[TJR]

You'll be welcomed in all pubs and there is a lot of them. Newcastle is quite unique in that we don't have any designated home/away only pubs. All fans are welcome in all pubs.

If it's your first time then I'd recommend the Strawberry. It's a stones throw from the ground and always has a good atmosphere. It gets extremely busy though as kick off approaches.

You'll not struggle to find pubs though, it's a city centre stadium so you'll be in walking distance of hundreds. All the ones around the stadium are always good on match days. These include Strawberry, Shearers (now nine), Shark Bar, Bar Loco, Hyena, Soho, Labour Club etc all of which are about 2/3 mins away from SJP if that. Then by Haymarket the Junction is decent, there's a few others around that area as well, Hotspur etc only about 5 mins away from the ground.

In terms of seats, block V in the Gallowgate and the Strawberry corner (South-East) are best for atmosphere. Though anywhere in the Gallowgate is normally decent. That said with all the goings on recently, particularly off the field, the atmosphere probably won't be great.

Milburn stand and East stand are best for view. Platinum club and bar 1892 in the Milburn offer better bar area facilities and the platinum club has padded seats. You lose any sort of atmosphere though along with a bit more money.

Leazes is the other option, thats where I am this season after a few years in the Gallowgate. I prefer the Gallowgate so I'd reccomend that over the Leazes.

Level 7 offers great views of the city and a football manager style view of the pitch. It's only family enclosure and away fans now. Though I'd be surprised if Brighton took/sold the full allocation so there might be a few blocks up there on sale. It'll be cheaper than anywhere else and the seemingly never ending stairs will work off any pre match pie.

[bodacious benny]

Yeah I've sat in platinum club a couple of times, it's decent in terms of having the separate bar etc., comfy seats and a good view, but there is no atmosphere at all.

[Ashleyout1872]

Thanks for all the replies lads.

Looking forward to it. Appreciate with all going on it might not be a strong atmosphere or a strong 3 points winning performance but Newcastle's a proper club that hasn't been turned into a tourist brand by sky TV money and it's 2 and a bit hours away from me.

Me and my mate will be in full voice for any chants against Fatman!

Just a few other questions about ticket pricing and parking? How much would we be for two tickets in the gallowgate and can we buy on the day?

Secondly going to be in the city all day planning to go to the big shopping centre and get food then go to the game and I'll be driving home after that. Anybody recommend where is best for long term secure parking?

Thanks

[bodacious benny]

Where are you traveling from? I drive up from the Midlands so always park for free at the metro centre. There's a bus that takes you direct to and from the stadium, only costs a quid or something. Plus you can get food in the metro centre too.

Tickets are on public sale now so I'd call the box office and book in advance rather than waiting until the day (might be queues at the ticket office on the day of the game and you'll have less choice). Not sure of prices but I'd guess about £40 per ticket.

[TJR]

As BB says the Metrocentre will be best if your're heading up the A1 from the South. If you're coming from the North then Gosforth Park Park & Ride or Kingston Park Tesco (free parking then a a metro ride to the city centre) are good options just off the A1 North of the city. I'd avoid driving into the city centre as the traffic will be awful and the city centre car parks are quite expensive.

For tickets I wouldn't risk leaving it to the day. You can buy online here ( https://book.nufc.co.uk/en-GB/events/ne ... rk?hallmap ) and collect on the day. Prices in the gallowgate are £35 per ticket for adults, I'd be quick though as there aren't many left.

[Ashleyout1872]

Thanks lads,

Driving down from outside Glasgow and planning on going to the MetroCentre as well so that would make sense.

Is there free parking there?

[Colly]

Yup, all free parking at the metro. Presume this bus picks up from the main bus station, so best to park in Blue?

[bodacious benny]

Can't remember the car park or anything, but it's out the back of the metro centre. It's not the actual bus station but you walk past that to the car park out the back where there's a metro/train station. There will be some double decker buses parked up. One of the locals on here might be able to describe it better.