Prepare to start your engines – F1 Arcade, a thrilling racing and dining experience where high-speed fun meets food and drinks, all set in a vibrant atmosphere designed to fuel unforgettable moments of competitive socializing, is coming to Philadelphia. On Thursday, May 29, the brand’s third United States venue will open at 1330 Chestnut Street, bringing a one-of-its-kind social destination and food and beverage program to the heart of Center City. Whether guests are looking to test their skills against friends or immerse themselves in the energetic ambiance of Formula 1 culture, this expansion marks another major development in bringing the prestigious motorsport to life across North America. A venue for birthday celebrations, corporate occasions, and other social events, advanced private booking inquiries are now welcomed via the brand’s website.
Building on the success of the global concept’s U.S. venues in Boston and Washington, D.C., the Philadelphia outpost offers a total capacity of 550 guests and covers over 19,200 square feet, complete with 80 state-of-the-art Formula 1 racing simulators, plentiful high-top dinner seating, and an expansive, illuminated 43-foot bar. For large bookings or those seeking an added layer of exclusivity, The Briefing Room private event space – which can be split into two smaller rooms – features a 120-person standing capacity with exclusive use of 13 racing simulators and an 18-foot bar. Throughout the venue, immersive design elements include vibrant neon circuit-inspired chandeliers, a helmet wall, hand painted tire mark-laden wallpaper, and an entryway lighting arrangement reminiscent of F1 Grand PrixTM starting grid lights.
F1 Arcade features a best-in-class food and beverage program, providing guests with an elevated menu inspired by international flavors, including seafood towers, wagyu beef sliders, and birria tacos, to name just a few. Guests can expect cocktails prepared with premium spirits alongside non-alcoholic creations, including the Flame & Glory (mezcal, ancho chili, pineapple, grapefruit soda, spiced salt), She’s in the Lead (Hendrick’s Gin, blueberry wine, lemon, egg), and no-ABV Mule in the Paddock (Almave, spiced ginger, lime, soda). Additionally, the team has tapped accoladed mixologist Lauren “LP” O’Brien, responsible for curating the D.C. location’s cocktail menu, to provide several new beverage offerings rooted in local sensibilities.
Powered by Motorsport Games’ rFactor 2 racing simulation platform, guests of all ages and abilities will have the opportunity to experience the world’s most iconic Grand PrixTM circuits via cutting-edge full-motion simulators, with skill levels ranging from rookie to elite. Team Racing is encouraged as F1 Arcade’s ultimate social experience, dividing groups of four or more into teams competing for points. Smaller groups, meanwhile, can book a more fast-paced and intense Head to Head experience. Complete with Grand PrixTM viewing screens and additional in-venue games, F1 Arcade provides a perfect environment for post-work gatherings, birthday parties, race enthusiast meet-ups, and beyond.
The arrival of F1 Arcade’s Philadelphia location is part of the brand’s ambitious U.S. expansion plan, which seeks to bring nearly 30 locations to the country over the next five years. The brand aims to capitalize on America’s growing interest in Formula 1, with half of the country’s 45 million fans beginning to follow the motorsport within the past five years.
“As Formula 1 continues to surge in popularity across the United States, we couldn’t think of a more fitting location for expansion than Philadelphia, home to many of the world’s most passionate sports enthusiasts,” says Jon Gardner, U.S. President of F1 Arcade in a statement. “We’re eager to bring a new gathering space and our own unique brand of experiential hospitality, diverse food menu, and stellar cocktail program to Center City.”
F1 Arcade Philadelphia is now encouraging event inquiries at www.1arcade.com/us/private-events/philadelphia. For priority access to reservations, sign up for the waitlist via www.f1arcade.com/us/newsletter-signup.
