Campo Pequeno

Sagres Campo Pequeno was inaugurated in the late 19th century. Major rock bands have performed at this historic venue in Lisbon, Portugal.

The building was originally built as a bullring, but nowadays there are few events related to bullfighting. Still, the original structure makes it an exotic and striking space to watch a show.

The concert hall hosts Portuguese and international artists of various styles, including rock. Slash ft. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, Pixies, Deep Purple, Royal Blood, Skunk Anansie, Arcade Fire, The 1975, Franz Ferdinand, and The National are some of the bands that have performed at Campo Pequeno.

Portuguese audiences are welcoming and generally very engaged with the artists. At international shows, it’s also common to find many foreign fans, which creates a diverse and lively atmosphere.

FUN FACT: Portuguese band Moonspell, with more than 30 years of career and worldwide recognition in the heavy metal scene, played a special concert at Campo Pequeno performing their albums Wolfheart, Irreligious and Extinct in full. The show took place in 2017 and was recorded for the CD/DVD Under The Spell.

How to Get to Campo Pequeno

The most convenient way to reach Campo Pequeno is by metro. The Campo Pequeno station on the yellow line is located directly in front of the building. Access is straightforward from different parts of the city, even if you need to transfer between lines.

For those staying in central areas or neighborhoods well-connected to public transport, the journey is typically quick.

Campo Pequeno Seating Map

The arena format makes it easy to see the stage, which is usually set up in either a 270º or 130º configuration depending on the show size. The layout is also flexible: the stage can be positioned further forward or back.

This is the most common seating map used for rock shows at Campo Pequeno:

How to Choose the Best Seats at Campo Pequeno

Campo Pequeno is divided into different sections that vary depending on the event type and stage configuration.

General Admission (Plateia): For rock shows, general admission is typically standing room. Since the stage is usually quite wide, many people can position themselves in front of the structure, including along the sides. For those wanting to be closer to the barrier, arriving early is ideal. In these areas, the sound can be a bit more distorted at times.

Bleachers (Bancadas): The bleachers are divided into blocks. All seats are numbered, with fixed plastic seats and backrests. When purchasing through the seating map, the row indication is usually accurate, but the physical layout may vary. The blocks aren’t perfectly aligned and can be slightly different from one another. Sometimes a seat that appears to be next to a stairway or aisle on the map doesn’t correspond exactly to that perception in reality. On the other hand, this slight variation in alignment helps prevent people’s heads in front from blocking your view.

Most rows are narrow. Only the rows located along the main aisles offer more legroom, but it’s not possible to identify these positions precisely when purchasing.

Seats may be assigned or occupied on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on the show. When there are no seat assignments, the venue staff organizes entry and gradually opens sections. In this case, arriving early is recommended, especially for those wanting to sit in the lower rows.

Important! On the map, letters A, B, and C correspond to the lowest rows. Letters like N, O, and P indicate higher positions in the venue.

If you’re watching the show from the seated sections with assigned seats and have the option to choose, starting from the second row is usually an excellent choice. The first row has a protective rope that can be at eye level, especially for shorter people.

Box Seats (Camarotes): There are two box seat areas: one located on the first ring above the bleachers and another on the second ring. The box seats aren’t always open. They vary depending on the show.

Galleries (Galerias): Like the box seats, the galleries are also distributed across two levels: one area on the first ring and another on the second ring above the bleachers. What distinguishes them is the structure and comfort of the space. The galleries aren’t always open. They vary depending on the show.

Accessibility for People with Disabilities

To prevent scalping, tickets for people with disabilities must be purchased directly from Campo Pequeno—either at the physical box office, which operates daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, by calling +351 217 998 450 (option 1), or via email at bilheteiras@campopequeno.com.

Reserved seating is located on Floor 1 (Box Seats) and meets all safety, accessibility, and visibility requirements.

Entry, Gates, and Organization

Entry is usually well organized. The gate number is generally indicated on the ticket. And if there happens to be any change, it will be easy to identify on-site. Campo Pequeno’s structure is circular, and all entrances are very close to each other.

Both printed and mobile tickets work normally, and there are staff members inside the venue to guide the audience to their seats. The team is usually friendly and helpful.

Entry is not permitted with bottles, cans, cups, food boxes/snacks, chains, large bags, and umbrellas.

Merchandise, Restrooms, and Coat Check

Merchandise usually has a dedicated area in the ring that circles the arena, inside Campo Pequeno.

There are several restrooms scattered around the arena ring, but they’re small for the volume of people. A good strategy is to go right when you enter or during the opening act. During intermissions and at the end of the main show, lines tend to be quite long.

For those who need to store something at the coat check, there’s usually a charge of €2 per item.

What Time Do Shows Usually End at Campo Pequeno?

Shows typically end between 10:30 PM and 11:00 PM, and evacuation is quick and organized. Campo Pequeno metro station is right across the street, which makes returning to your accommodation very convenient.

Campo Pequeno: Where to Eat and Drink

Inside the arena, there are several options for food and drinks. You can find french fries, popcorn, savory snacks (such as chamuça and croquete), sweets (such as pastel de nata and queijada), sandwiches, beers, soft drinks, water, and coffee.

Next to Campo Pequeno, there’s also a small shopping center with a food court and supermarket. It’s a good alternative for those arriving early who want to eat something before the show or buy water, fruit, or a quick snack to pass the time.

For those wanting to eat after the show, there are good options nearby. Galeto restaurant, less than a 10-minute walk away, stays open until about 3:00 AM and serves snacks, appetizers, and typical Portuguese meals at prices consistent with the city. Another practical alternative is the McDonald’s in Saldanha, which is open 24 hours.

Hotels Near Campo Pequeno Lisbon

Campo Pequeno is located in a traditional, safe, and pleasant neighborhood in Lisbon, with easy metro access.

There are also many hotels in the surrounding area, and the neighborhood is calm for walking at night, even for those unfamiliar with the city. Therefore, staying near the concert venue is an excellent option for walking to and from the show and experiencing the fan activity throughout the day.

Is It Worth Seeing a Show at Campo Pequeno?

Campo Pequeno is a fascinating venue for concerts, primarily due to its historic and unconventional structure, both inside and out. For those who enjoy traveling to see shows, it’s a space that offers a different experience from traditional modern arenas.

Lisbon also enhances this experience. The city is beautiful and bright, with an airport well-connected to major cities worldwide. Getting around is easy, whether on foot or by metro.

Portuguese audiences tend to be welcoming and engaged with the artists, creating a relaxed and enjoyable concert atmosphere. For those looking to combine tourism with live music, attending a show at Campo Pequeno is an experience worth considering.