[GooseGirl]

I've never been to this forum before (I mainly read various MLS boards), so I apologize if what I'm about to ask has been covered a million times before, or is covered elsewhere, or doesn't belong here, etc.

My husband and I will be in Britian in mid-November for the first time in 15 years. Although our main purpose is a trip to Scotland, husband (who is an avid Magpie fan) wants to tack on a detour to Newcastle. Conveniently, Newcastle will be hosting Southampton on Nov. 16, while we're there. My question is, is there any way we can get tickets to this match?

The team's official Web site doesn't say anything about how to get tickets if you're not a season-ticket holder (unless the info. is truly buried). My husband checked the Web site of the USA Toon Army and reported that the group "no longer gets special perks. In the ongoing attempts by management to squeeze every penny out of the club, supporters' clubs throughout the world have been stripped of their visiting perks and replaced with a centrally controlled Club membership. Now, if you want, you can pay 25 GBP and have the same membership as local supporters. In other words, you pay $30 up front to get a small discount in the club shop, the *opportunity* to buy match seats in the stands (what few are left), and freebies that are of little or no value (free entry to reserve matches, woo hoo)."

"I have to say, this really sucks. You used to be able (for a sizable sum) to get tickets to a hospitality suite for visiting fans. Now you have to hand out cash just to get a chance to buy a seat in the stands. That's great if you live in the UK, but for those of us travelling..."

Any advice for us? Will we need to go this more expensive route? Are there any alternatives? (Are there typically scalpers outside EPL matches, as there are in the States?)

Thanks for whatever guidance you can provide.

[Toony]

You should be able to get tickets for Southampton via the box office on your Credit card. Check maybe 10 days before hand on www.nufc.com ( unofficial ) website , where they keep track of what is going on & inform you when public sale starts.S/Hampton isnt the biggest match & there are always a few on public sale a week or so beforehand

It is possible to get tickets outside , but they wont be scalpers , rather people with the odd spare ticket ( a mate didnt turn up or missed the train ) , who just want the recoup some of the outlay.It may be possible to get a pair, but 1 or 2 singles is more likely. Just get there at 2.00 PM , stand outside the ground & shout that you need a ticket Theres a pub right outside - the Strawberry - IF you can get in ( Its a bit busy on matchdays ) , start asking aroiund inside. You can usually pick up a ticket with a bit of perseverance.

Alternately - see if you can get Southamptom Away tickets - its a long long way from Southampton , so you should be able to get a ticket form the S/Hampton Box office - dont tell them you are toon!

Speak to the Box office & Im sure you will be able to get something. ..

good luck!

[greenie]

On matchday there is also a queue for cancellations at the Box Office -- I've gotten many a ticket through this manner. Simply line up 2-3 hours before kickoff, and one by one (or two or three) you'll be called up to the window as people turn in unused tickets.

The earlier you get there the better, as you'll be closer to the front of the queue and will then be given plenty of time to hit one of the pubs in the area, get a bite to eat, etc.

[mr magoo]

the tickets for this match arnt on sale yet so the website wouldnt have any information they usual do on general sale 2 weeks in advance.

Newcastle V Leeds 11th september 2002 go on sale on the 29th of august so the tickets for that game will proberbly go on sale the first monday of november.