F1 Arcade is officially coming to Philadelphia, bringing the ultimate racing experience to Center City. With an opening date confirmed to be 29 May later this year, it promises to offer one of the best Formula 1 simulator experiences alongside hospitality tailored to a fan of the sport.
What is F1 Arcade?
F1 Arcade is the world’s first official F1 hospitality venue. Not only does it offer premium food and beverages, it boasts the latest sim setups and entertainment for those of us in love with the sport. Unlike more traditional arcades, F1 Arcade pairs this high tech racing with a sophisticated destination where guests can enjoy viewing parties and other F1-themed events and experiences.
The first venue opened at the end of November in 2022 in London. Coming from the mind of Adam Breeden, the man also behind the likes of Flight Club and Puttshack, the venue quickly exploded in popularity following the boom of the sport itself the year before.
“We are thrilled to offer the first of these premium and exclusive entertainment experiences right in the heart of London, Breeden said at the tine. “It has been our most ambitious project to date, taking everything we know about competitive socialising venues and adding the strength of the Formula 1 brand. This is all the glamour of a Grand Prix weekend in your city, all year round.
“The cutting-edge technology, high-quality food and beverages, coupled with a glamorous venue sets F1 Arcade apart from the rest in the hospitality sector.”
The new Philadelphia venue
Opening at 1330 Chestnut Street, it boasts 19,200 square feet in total and 80 racing sim setups – I’ll get to them in a second – as well as a whopping 43-foot bar and a private space for 120 standing. This will be the third venue in the United States, and there’s certainly no half-measures.
The simulator setups
At the core of all F1 Arcade venues is the sim setups. Costing approximately £40,000 and made by Vesaro, when you give it the full beans at the highest difficulty, it’s as good as a fully fledged pro rig. It moves to simulate G-forces, rumbles over the tarmac, and gives as close an experience through the steering wheel and its controls as you can get to a real F1 car. According to The Verge, there’s a new version on the way, so Philadelphia could be the first receiver of such an upgrade.
Specification and features
- Vesaro I Chassis GTF
- V-Zero Body & Integrated seat
- Haptic motion system – Gen 5 D-Box 2 Actuator 1.5 Inch
- Direct Drive Steering Base 16Nm
- Wheel Rim – Moza FSR
- Pedals – Vesaro Pro-R
- PC – Vesaro PC On-Board Level 2
- Display 49 Inch Ultrawide ROG Strix XG49VQ
- V-Zero Integrated Audio system – 2 x 4 inch Drivers & 300 Watt Under
- Seat Subwoofer
- Floating Display Stand *Patent Pending
- Rear Lights
- Ambient Lighting
- Safety Protection System built to UKCA/CE standards.
The software is a version of rFactor 2, licensed specifically to F1 Arcade.
F1 Arcade atmosphere
Photo by: Farrah Skeiky
Skill levels and game modes
The venue opens its arms to everyone of any background with five different game modes.
- Rookie: For absolute beginners, with maximum assistance features
- Casual: Slightly reduced assistance but still suitable for new players
- Semi-Pro: Reduced braking assistance and medium throttle control for more experienced players
- Pro: Minimal assistance for skilled drivers
- Elite: The highest difficulty with no racing line and manual controls
You can choose your difficulty on a race-per-race basis, meaning if you go in thinking you’re Lewis Hamilton but turn out to be more of a shopping cart with a wonky wheel, you’re not going to be wasting your time.
Global expansion
F1 Arcade landing in Philadelphia is part of a global push after an investment of $130 million in July of last year. This is helping expand the brand into US territories and beyond, with plans for more than 30 locations globally by the end of 2027. Future locations are planned in Denver and Atlanta.
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