F1® Arcade, the world’s first official Formula 1® simulator racing experience, will open its first US location in Boston Seaport in March 2024.
Spanning 16,000 square feet, the venue will consist of 69 bespoke, full-motion racing simulators designed in conjunction with F1®; an enormous cocktail bar featuring offerings from award-winning bartender Peter Vestinos; and a set of high-end private rooms, which can be combined to accommodate up to 200 guests. In addition, the venue will offer a food menu focused on fresh, local ingredients.
Design features include several F1® circuit-inspired ceiling chandeliers, race-themed telemetry neon signs, and luxury finishes accented with warm lighting.
As part of the F1® Arcade experience, guests will have the chance to experience the thrill of being behind the wheel of an F1® car and race a variety of Grand Prix™ tracks.
The simulators feature four separated game modes allowing guests to race in team-based groups, individually, or as part of an all-venue racing format.
“Opening our first US location in Boston marks the beginning of our US roll out,” says Adam Breeden, founder and CEO, F1® Arcade. “Formula 1’s success globally and particularly in the US paves the way for F1 Arcade to continue to thrill fans and importantly, also non-fans, with our unique racing experience in a beautiful, high-energy environment with the very best hospitality and service.”
F1® Arcade responds to growing demand
F1® Arcade’s flagship location opened in London (UK) in late 2022. Since then, the company has developed an aggressive expansion plan for the United States, which continues to be a rapidly growing market for Formula 1 racing.
According to the company, one in every two US fans started following the sport in the last four years. And these fans are not only growing the fanbase but changing it. The majority of new fans are under the age of 35, with a higher percentage of females compared to the traditional fanbase for the sport. The US has also become the leading market for followers on F1’s social media channels, overtaking the United Kingdom and Brazil, with a year-on-year increase of 45 percent from 2022.
The company also reports that increasing demand is being seen at live races. The Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2023 drew more than 270,000 fans, an increase of 30,000 on the inaugural race. Similarly, the Formula 1 Aramco United States Grand Prix, which was held in October, saw the highest attendance of the 2022 F1 season with 440,000 fans visiting the Circuit of the Americas, up 10 percent from 2021.
“Formula 1 is enjoying significant growth globally, and we are constantly innovating to ensure that we are bringing the highest quality of sport and entertainment to new and diverse audiences,” explains Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO, Formula 1®. “F1 Arcade does exactly this by putting our fans behind the wheel of bespoke racing simulators, so they can feel the thrill of an F1 car first hand, coupled with a premium hospitality offering to match our world-renowned paddock. The success of the London venue so far has been incredible, and we are excited to see the F1 Arcade project continue to grow as it hits the US, starting in Boston.”