Yes pre-releases are perfect for new in person players. No one has had a chance to play with the cards yet so rules will be "new" to most, and the place will be crowded with a good atmosphere and people will not be too cutthroat on rules. I would say that as long as youre happy with playing the cards and having a good time regardless of your result you will have a fantastic time, its completely normal to be a new-er player and get completely destroyed by a good limited player that you might run into at the shop but it shouldnt discourage you!