Speed demons, race enthusiasts and craft cocktail fans now have a combined meeting place with the opening of the F1 Arcade in Philadelphia.
This new venture in the City of Brotherly Love marks the third location for the concept, following successful launches in Boston and Washington D.C. Additional venues will also open up for business in Las Vegas, Denver and Atlanta soon as well.
“While Formula 1 continues to gain momentum across the U.S., F1 Arcade is about more than just racing – it’s about connection,” says Jon Gardner, U.S. President of F1 Arcade. “We’re excited to bring a dynamic new gathering place to Center City, where friends, colleagues, and communities can come together over incredible food, standout drinks, and a one-of-a-kind social experience.”
The main draw of the locale is the chance to try out some of the Formula 1 simulators—and there are a few options to choose from: Going “Head to Head” works for groups of 2-3 people and allows for 3 to 5 races. 3 races comes out to be about a half hour, while with 5, the runtime is around 45 minutes. Prices start at $20 per person and fluctuate based on time and length.
“Team Racing”, on the other hand, is perfect for larger groups. Up to 3 drivers can be on a team, with 4 races in store for them. For groups of 13 or more, there’s also a way to book private events. Whichever way chosen, everyone has the opportunity to win points and even use some of them for the venue’s smaller games (like a reaction drill.)
Racing is for anyone at any level–there’s even a Rookie option with a guided line to use during your simulation. With anything, the more you race, the better you get, and fans can go all the way up to pro levels while here. The racing takes you through different courses around the world–from the US, to Japan, to Belgium and everywhere in between. Locals will play against other visitors, and other well-known Formula 1 names (even Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.) In total, there’s about 80 simulators housed around the venue.
The Philadelphia location will also debut a new, first-of-its-kind simulator setup – making it the most advanced and immersive F1 Arcade experience to date, a release notes. The space comes out to be 19,200 square feet. The decor mimics the sport and the city combined, with neon circuit-style chandeliers, hand-painted tire-mark wallpaper, a helmet wall installation exclusive to the Philly location, and themed light features.
Drink-wise, there’s a cocktail menu (curated in collaboration with mixologist Lauren “LP” O’Brien from Netflix’s ‘Drink Masters’). Visitors can sip on libations like the Victory Lap (a tropical old-fashioned with bourbon, vanilla demerara, and a hint of absinthe) the Pit Lane Perk (a nitro-charged espresso martini topped with custom race-themed art), the Apex Martini (a “freezer-cold take” on a classic gin martini made with Bluecoat Gin and an herb-infused olive oil garnish), and more.
The sips are complimented by a variety of food options. Appetizers span bites like soft pretzel sticks with honey mustard whipped butter, dynamite fried chicken and grilled tiger shrimp skewers, plus tacos (think spicy ahi tuna and wild mushroom), flatbreads (like Italian sausage and chicken tandoori), burgers, sides and desserts. There’s also a kids menu with an assortment of picks and weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The best part of it all? On race days, those who purchase watch party packages can enjoy unlimited sim racing before the pros get on the real track, plus check out competitions, quizzes for prizes, and live entertainment after the races to keep the experience going. Upcoming watch parties include Zandvoort, Monza and Baku. It’s all meant to bring F1 fans (and new spectators) together under one roof.
To check out more information on Philly’s own F1 Arcade (1330 Chestnut St.), visit f1arcade.com
