Glasgow Celtic Football Club, Celtic Park, Glasgow G40 3RE
Last year's champions will be high on confidence going in to the new season and they will be looking to build on this platform in Europe. We suspect the Dons will merely look to improve on the drubbings handed our way in recent seasons and the best we can probably hope for is a draw. SPL Prediction: 1st Man to Watch: Henrik Larsson
How to get there…..
Bus: Supporters buses are the easiest and cheapest mode of transport to away games. If travelling from Edinburgh then use the Capital 1903 bus. Alternatively make your own arrangements using the Citylink network. Train: It's against the law to consume alcohol on a bus, so for longer journeys the train is a good option. If travelling in a group of 3 or 4 then check out the Friends Fare offered by Scotrail Plane: Internal flights within Scotland are expensive and mostly inconvenient. Shetland supporters will be well versed with travel to the mainland using either P&O Scottish Ferries or British Airways. Car: Plan your own route online using the RAC routeplanner. Please note that Celtic Park is located in an area that drivers would be best advised not to leave their vehicle unattended. Park your car in the city centre and use public transport or take the long walk up London Road to get to the ground.
What to expect once you are there….
Ground: Being the largest football stadium in the country, Celtic Park can generate quite an atmospherewhen it wants to. The nature of Scottish football unfortunately means that the home support all to often prefer to sit in silence watching their team grind out another victory. The away end is situated in the South Eastern corner of the ground with most of the seats being quite far away from the pitch itself. A number of seats have a restricted view. Police and stewarding at the ground is very strict and it isn't uncommon for a number of away fans to be refused entry or ejected during the game for the pettiest of reasons. Stewards will insist you remain seated and request that you do not smoke. Recent seasons have seen the Aberdeen support make themselves heard for the duration of the game, although unfortunately not as a result of performances on the pitch. Food: Standard football ground fare is on offer at Celtic Park in other words it's highly priced and of inferior quality. Celtic Park service is possibly the worst of all SPL grounds in Scotland - expect to queue for a considerable length of time and to be greeted by a plooky aspiring car thief while you've watched Celtic bang in another six goals on the monitor above your head! Booze: There are loads of pubs around the ground but most are die-hard Celtic establishments that you will struggle to gain entry into. Arrive early and go to Springfield Vaultsor the London Road Tavern, both of which are situated on London Road at the away end of the ground. Keep your wits about you as both are boozers of the spit and sawdust variety. Try not to look too pished when approaching the ground as it has already been mentioned that Strathclyde's finest are not known for their leniency! City centre (Merchant City) boozers are also an option, but they are over-priced and at least 30 mins walk to the ground (a taxi will never get through the traffic in time!).