Pavilhão Municipal Fernando Gomes

The Pavilhão Municipal Fernando Gomes opened in the spring of 2024 in the Santa Marinha parish of Vila Nova de Gaia. It stands on Rua do Choupelo as a purpose-built indoor arena while serving the local school community. The venue carries the name of the former FC Porto and Sporting forward Fernando Gomes, known locally as 'Bibota', who died in 2022. The naming decision followed his passing, honouring a player who represented both major clubs in the city.

What sets this pavilion apart is its playing surface. It uses a suspended artificial sports floor rather than the synthetic planks common in many European halls. The court measures 40 by 20 meters and is approved for handball, basketball, futsal and volleyball. The FC Gaia handball team uses the space for home matches when their primary facility is unavailable or for specific high-profile fixtures.

Construction began around 2020 and finished in 2024, with the official inauguration taking place on April 15. During the building phase the project was known as the Pavilhão Municipal de Santa Marinha, a name that stuck in local reports before the final decision to honour Gomes. The cost hovered between 2.5 and 2.85 million euros according to available reports. Seating capacity remains unclear in public records, though descriptions suggest room for tens to hundreds of spectators depending on the event setup. The facility serves primarily as a school pavilion for the Escola Básica de Santa Marinha, making it a community hub rather than a standalone commercial venue.