PHILADELPHIA, PA – The checkered flag has dropped! F1® Arcade Philadelphia officially opens its doors today, May 29, bringing a first-of-its-kind social racing and experiential hospitality destination to the heart of Center City at 1330 Chestnut Street. This immersive venue combines the high-speed thrill of Formula 1® racing with elevated dining, masterfully crafted cocktails, and a vibrant social atmosphere, all under one roof.
F1 Arcade Speeds into Philadelphia: Grand Opening Today with Simulators, Gourmet Eats & High-Octane Fun!
To celebrate its grand debut, F1® Arcade Philadelphia is offering an exclusive perk: the first 100 people through the doors at 4:00 PM today will receive a Philly Founders Club card, granting them half-off food and beverage tabs for the rest of the year, plus other exclusive offers and rewards.
Experience the Thrill of the Race
At the core of F1® Arcade are 80 cutting-edge, full-motion racing simulators. Powered by Motorsport Games' rFactor 2 platform, these simulators deliver a hyper-realistic racing experience, allowing guests of all skill levels – from rookies to seasoned pros – to virtually navigate legendary Grand Prix™ circuits. The Philadelphia location proudly debuts the brand's most advanced simulator to date, offering a range of experiences from head-to-head laps to adrenaline-charged team competitions.
Gourmet Bites & Masterful Cocktails Beyond the Track
F1® Arcade boasts a bold, globally inspired food and beverage program designed to match the excitement. The menu features dynamic, shareable dishes perfect for social gatherings, with standouts including XO Scallops, Ahi Tuna Tartare, and Wagyu Beef Sliders.
Leading the charge on the beverage front is acclaimed mixologist LP O'Brien, winner of Netflix's Drink Masters and F1® Arcade's newly named Global Creative Director of Beverage. O'Brien has curated an inventive Philadelphia-specific cocktail menu that blends storytelling and local flair with high-impact presentation. Highlights include:
- Victory Lap: A tropical old fashioned with bourbon, fig and gingerbread rooibos, and a hint of absinthe.
- Pit Lane Perk: A silky, nitro-charged espresso martini poured on draft and topped with custom race-themed art.
- Afloat in Monaco: A nostalgic yet elevated float featuring rye, house tamarind cola, and salted vanilla bean foam.
- Apex Martini: A freezer-chilled twist on the classic gin martini made with Philadelphia's own Bluecoat Gin, finished with a decadent tray of assorted garnish options.
- VIP Pass: A celebratory two-part serve pairing a crisp shot of champagne with a clarified milk punch.
"Across our menu, we set out to bring the same precision and thrill of Formula 1 to every cocktail we serve," says LP O'Brien. "Guests will notice the F1 Arcade difference — it's more than a drink; it's an immersive celebration of speed, flavor, and innovation."
Immersive Design: Step into the World of F1®
Spanning 19,200 square feet, the venue is designed to immerse guests in the glamour and intensity of Formula 1®. Bold interior features include neon-circuit style chandeliers, custom tire-mark wallpaper, a unique helmet wall display exclusive to Philadelphia, and a dramatic F1® starting grid-inspired light feature at the entrance. A stunning 43-foot illuminated bar serves as the centerpiece, surrounded by sleek high-top dining areas and plush lounge seating.
Race Day Central: Upcoming Grand Prix Watch Parties
F1® Arcade Philadelphia will be the ultimate destination for watching live races. The first official Watch Party kicks off on Sunday, June 1, for the Spanish Grand Prix, with doors opening at 8:00 AM. These events will feature live race screenings, a dedicated host, interactive quizzes, and open sim racing throughout. Tickets for all Philadelphia Watch Parties, including upcoming events for the Canadian (June 15), Austrian (June 29), and British (July 6) Grand Prix, go on sale next week at https://philadelphia.events.f1arcade.com/.
A Philadelphia First, A National Expansion
The Philadelphia opening marks F1® Arcade's third U.S. outpost, following successful launches in Washington D.C. and Boston. It's part of an ambitious plan to bring nearly 30 venues to the U.S. over the next five years, capitalizing on Formula 1's rapidly growing American fan base, which now exceeds 52 million.
"Opening in Philadelphia is a huge milestone for us," says Jon Gardner, President of Global Development for F1® Arcade. "This city's legendary sports and racing history, passion, and pace align perfectly with the F1® Arcade experience—we can't wait for guests to feel the energy from the moment they walk through the door."
F1® Arcade's grand opening today brings an unparalleled entertainment concept to Philadelphia. Combining cutting-edge racing simulation, a sophisticated food and beverage program led by top talent, and a stunningly immersive environment, it's poised to become Center City's newest hotspot. Whether you're a die-hard F1® fan, a casual gamer, or simply looking for a unique and exhilarating social experience, F1® Arcade Philadelphia is ready to deliver.
