On 18 July 2026, TagusPark in Oeiras will host the Lisbon Scrimmage — Portugal’s first-ever FIRST Tech Challenge robotics competition. The event brings together student teams from across Europe for a full day of robot matches, awards, and community celebration, and marks the beginning of competitive FTC robotics in Portugal.
What is happening
The Lisbon Scrimmage is a one-day FTC offseason event featuring approximately 12 teams. Teams will compete in qualification matches and playoffs on a regulation FTC field, with robots they have designed, built, and programmed themselves. The event follows the structure of official FTC competitions — robot inspection, drivers’ meetings, qualification rounds, alliance selection, playoff brackets, and an awards ceremony — adapted for a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere.
The event is organised by FTC Teams #33535 and #34200, Portugal’s only two FTC teams, with direct endorsement from FIRST headquarters.
Why this matters for Portugal
FIRST Tech Challenge operates in more than 30 countries, with thousands of teams competing across Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond. Until now, Portugal has had no FTC presence — no teams, no events, no competitive pathway for students interested in this globally recognised programme. The Lisbon Scrimmage is designed to change that.
The event has two goals: to give existing European FTC teams a high-quality competition experience in Lisbon, and to introduce Portuguese schools, students, and families to what FTC looks like in practice. The organisers are actively working with international schools in the Lisbon area to help launch new teams for the 2026-27 season.
What visitors will see
The event is open to the public. Visitors will see student-built robots competing head-to-head on a playing field, team pit areas where students work on their robots between matches, and an awards ceremony recognising outstanding achievement in engineering, programming, teamwork, and community impact. It is a lively, energetic environment — part engineering showcase, part sporting event, part community gathering.
For school directors and teachers, the event is an opportunity to see FTC in action and talk directly to teams and coaches about what it takes to start a programme. For families, it is a chance to see whether competitive robotics might be the right fit for their teenager.
Event details
- Date: 18 July 2026
- Venue: TagusPark, Oeiras, Lisbon, Portugal
- Format: Full-day FTC competition (qualification matches, playoffs, awards)
- Teams: Approximately 12, from across the EU
- Spectators: Free admission, open to the public
Get involved
There are several ways to be part of Portugal’s first FTC event. If you have an existing FTC team, register to compete. If you want to help make the event happen, sign up to volunteer — no robotics experience needed. If your organisation wants to support STEM education in Portugal, explore sponsorship opportunities. Or simply come and watch — bring your family, your students, or your colleagues, and see what FIRST Tech Challenge is all about.
For questions or more information, contact us.