photo courtesy F1 Arcade
From a press release:
“Buckle up, D.C. F1® Arcade is thrilled to announce the grand opening date of its highly anticipated second U.S. venue, located within the city’s vibrant Union Market District (440 Penn Street NE). On Sunday, October 13 the groundbreaking destination will open its doors––featuring 83 state-of-the-art Formula 1 racing simulators, a best-in-class food and beverage menu, private event spaces and more. The venue promises to be the ultimate spot for motorsport aficionados, late night revelers, bar enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.
photo courtesy F1 Arcade
Following a successful opening in Boston in April 2024, the D.C. outpost of the London-based concept will be the largest location yet, spanning 17,300 square feet. The space features eye-catching design details such as F1®-circuit inspired ceiling chandeliers, and vibrant race telemetry wall neons. In addition to the communal spaces, high-end private rooms–– equipped with a private bar and 16 simulators––can be combined to accommodate up to 130 guests, and are perfect for work events, bachelorette parties, or any memorable celebration.
F1® Arcade’s food and beverage menu is inspired by elevated global cuisine, featuring seafood towers, caviar service, ahi tuna tostadas, and wagyu beef sliders, to name a few. To complement the expansive culinary offerings, F1® Arcade’s 42-foot bar will serve an array of handcrafted signature cocktails, such as the Slipstreamer (made with Reposado tequila, spiced hibiscus, lime, champagne and infused with gold dust), alongside premium spirits, and “designated drivers” (innovative non-alcoholic concoctions).
F1® Arcade brings the high-speed excitement of Formula 1 racing to the heart of Washington, D.C. Guests will have the opportunity to experience the adrenaline rush of racing with cutting-edge full motion simulators that provide a realistic and immersive driving experience. Reservations for D.C will open in September, and those first to sign up will receive exclusive perks such as priority booking access, chances to win tickets to FORMULA 1 Grand Prix races and money-can’t buy experiences.
The innovative ‘F1® Arcade Hub’ allows guests to create personal driver profiles to enhance their individual preferences and achievement. The gameplay experience, created by Motorsport Games via its RFactor2 racing simulation platform, allows guests to choose from Head to Head racing where they compete individually or for groups of 6 or more, team Racing is the ultimate social experience. Parties will be put into teams where they will compete against each other earning points and cheering teammates on. Different skill modes from rookie to elite means all ages and abilities can experience the fun and race together.
The Washington, D.C. outpost is part of an ambitious U.S. expansion plan for the brand, with 30 additional locations planned to open throughout the country within the next five years. The D.C. launch
coincides with F1’s rapid growth in the market, with 1 in 2 fans starting to follow the sport in the last four years. This new, younger fan base, largely under 35 and including more women, is transforming the sport’s demographic profile. Last year’s FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX sold out with 270,000 fans, up 30,000 from 2022.”