I took my girlfriend to her first ever Toon match the week after our first date, as even though she's a Geordie she had never been to a first-team game. That was the 5th February 2011!!! Newcastle 4-4 Arsenal. She's been hooked ever since, though I doubt she'll ever see a game as good! I have to say, the Chelsea atmosphere was unbelievable, even before we scored the third.
The PL match atmosphere ranges from poor and frustrated, to incredible, depending on the quality of play unfolding and opposition mainly I think. Better games to go to will involve the top teams, but with the players we have now I expect we'll see an awful lot of entertainment. A derby game is traditionally epic, but tickets sell fast.
Areas of the ground for your consideration;
1. Platinum club, very rarely full, has padded seats and a good view of the game. However, the atmosphere dies going from Gallowgate to that area because that's where the corporate lot hang out. It cost me £33 per ticket last time I went there. For that you get the aforementioned comfiness, no turnstile hassle, just a butler scanning the tickets, and a famous hall of great players to look at.
2. Gallowgate. Best atmosphere in the ground now. Very reasonable prices, I think £25 for adults at present, with Student discount possible.
I would agree the atmosphere doesn't reach the heights during EL matches, however, as a Gallowgate-er it's still good. My best mate took his sister for the first time to our first EL fixture and she loved it, so I wouldn't worry about it. I think it's cheaper as well
