Philadelphia, PA
- What a night! Philadelphia's Center City just got a serious dose of adrenaline, and I was lucky enough to be there for the VIP preview of the brand new F1® Arcade, located at 1330 Chestnut Street. Let me tell you, this place is set to redefine entertainment in Philly.
We arrived a little after 6 PM to a full-blown red carpet welcome. The energy was palpable right from the start, with the unmistakable beat of a Philly Elmo drumline pumping up the crowd and an actual F1 racecar on display, setting the perfect high-octane tone.
Stepping inside the massive 19,200 square-foot venue was like entering a Formula 1® dream. The design is stunningly immersive – neon circuit-style chandeliers snaked across the ceiling, cool hand-painted tire-mark wallpaper added an edgy touch, and a unique helmet wall installation (exclusive to Philly!) immediately caught my eye. The dramatic starting grid-inspired light feature near the entrance definitely made you feel like you were about to hit the track. The whole place was buzzing, with a DJ spinning tunes, and we were immediately greeted with a welcome glass of wine.
Full-motion racing simulators
The heart of the space is undoubtedly the 80 cutting-edge, full-motion racing simulators. I watched guests (and tried one myself!) virtually tear through iconic Grand Prix™ circuits. Powered by Motorsport Games' rFactor 2 platform, the realism is incredible, and with adjustable skill settings, everyone from a complete rookie like me to seasoned sim racers can get in on the action. I've heard that the Philadelphia location is debuting a new, first-of-its-kind simulator setup, making it their most advanced experience yet.
But F1® Arcade is much more than just racing. The VIP event showcased their commitment to an elevated hospitality experience. There were three open bars and a dedicated wine bar keeping the drinks flowing, alongside a delicious spread of various hors d'oeuvres. For more substantial bites, a seafood buffet and a cheese and meat buffet offered a taste of the globally inspired menu, which will be available to the public and include dynamic, shareable dishes such as fresh oysters, XO Scallops, and Quesabirria Tacos.
I was particularly excited to sample the cocktails, especially knowing the menu was curated in collaboration with acclaimed mixologist Lauren "LP" O'Brien (of Netflix's Drink Masters fame), who is F1® Arcade's Global Director of Beverage. I made sure to try the Philly-exclusive Victory Lap, a fantastic tropical old-fashioned with bourbon and a hint of absinthe – it definitely lived up to its name! The Pit Lane Perk, a nitro-charged espresso martini on draft topped with cool race-themed art, was another hit, and the Apex Martini with local Bluecoat Gin was
DJ Jazzy Jeff
The night truly hit its peak when Philadelphia's own legendary DJ, Jazzy Jeff, took over the DJ station, sending the energy through the roof and capping off an incredible preview.
From the thrilling simulators to the gourmet food, inventive cocktails, and just an all-around fantastic atmosphere, it's a unique and dynamic destination. General public reservations are already open at f1arcade.com/us/philadelphia, and I have a feeling this place is going to be packed. This isn't just for F1® die-hards; it's for anyone looking for a high-energy, enjoyable night out.
Bill Zimmerman
Publisher
Publisher / Webmaster at Phlly Bite Magazine.
