Newcastle United have announced their first pre-season friendly and it will be played in Edinburgh.
United to take on Everton at Murrayfield Stadium, home of Scottish Rugby Union.
The Newcastle v Everton friendly to kick off at 5.15pm on Wednesday 12 August.
Newcastle United stating: ‘Murrayfield Stadium is the largest stadium in Scotland and one of the UK’s most recognisable sporting venues – with a capacity of 67,144.’
The Premier League season kicks off on the weekend of Saturday 22 August and this Edinburgh based friendly happening a week and a half before that.
The last weekend before a new season usually sees Newcastle United hosting a couple of friendlies at St James’ Park with a split NUFC squad across matches on consecutive days. AS Roma and Strasbourg are rumoured to be the opposition this August at SJP.
The official club announcement on Thursday morning includes:
‘TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets start from £35 for adults and £17 for under-16s (plus booking fees).
• Thursday 28 May (4pm) Pre-sale opens for Newcastle United Season Ticket Holders and Members.
• Monday 1 June (10am): Pre-sale opens for fans who registered for priority access.
• Tuesday 2 June (10am): General sale opens via Ticketmaster.
(Fans are strongly encouraged to register interest now to receive the latest updates and gain priority access to tickets.)’
I have no doubt that plenty of Newcastle United fans will make the trip to Murrayfield but with tickets starting from £35 plus booking fee, around £40 for a friendly against Everton doesn’t sound like a bargain. Whilst a 67,000+ capacity at Murrayfield suggests tickets won’t be difficult to get.
The club also say: ‘The early evening fixture offers Magpies fans a standout summer away day in the Scottish capital, as match day coincides with the world‑famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival.’
What that tells me is that anybody hoping to stay over will have to pay over the odds to get somewhere to stay, if indeed able to get anything in Edinburgh itself. Plus of course competing with festival goers for train tickets etc.