F1® Arcade, the world’s first official Formula 1® social gaming experience, today announced it will officially open its highly anticipated first Midwest location in Chicago on Friday, Aug. 14. Reservations are now available for simulator racing experiences at the new River North venue located at 1 W. Grand Ave. To celebrate the opening, the first 1,000 guests to reserve their seat on the grid will unlock a special first-release ticket price for racing experiences during the venue’s opening month. 

Bringing together the thrill of Formula 1® racing, elevated hospitality and immersive social gaming, F1® Arcade Chicago will feature 61 full-motion racing simulators, globally inspired food and cocktails, flexible private event spaces and the brand’s
first-ever rooftop terrace. 

“Chicago has always played an important role in F1 Arcade’s growth as the home of our U.S. headquarters, making this opening especially meaningful for our team,” said Mat Horvath, Chief Executive Officer of F1® Arcade. “We’re excited to officially announce our opening date and begin welcoming guests later this summer. From our first-ever rooftop terrace with Chicago-inspired food and beverage offerings to our world-class racing simulators, this venue represents the next evolution of the F1® Arcade experience.” 

Located in the heart of River North, F1® Arcade Chicago will offer guests the opportunity to race on some of the world’s most iconic Formula 1® tracks, including the Las Vegas Strip Circuit and Circuit of the Americas. Designed for everyone from first-time racers to dedicated Formula 1® fans, the simulators feature adjustable skill levels and game modes, allowing guests to compete individually or as part of a team. 

Making its global debut in Chicago, F1® Arcade’s rooftop terrace will offer a vibrant open-air destination featuring a dedicated rooftop bar, skyline views and a specially curated food and beverage program showcasing Chicago craft beers, local spirits,
frozen cocktails and Chicago-inspired sharable dishes. Spanning more than 1,500 square feet with capacity for 125 guests, the rooftop will be a destination in its own right for after-work drinks, weekend gatherings and summer nights in the city.

The venue’s culinary program will feature globally inspired dishes alongside elevated shareable favorites, including Spicy Ahi Tuna Tartare with crushed avocado and crispy wontons, Himalayan Salt Dry-Aged Flat Iron Steak served with grilled portobello and chimichurri, and Wagyu Beef Sliders topped with local sharp provolone, horseradish cream and pickled onions. 

Guests can also enjoy signature cocktails and alcohol-free “Designated Driver” beverages developed by LP O’Brien, winner of Netflix’s Drink Masters. Highlights include the Undercut Collins, a take on a Tom Collins, topped with a local IPA flavor bubble, and the Spicy Apex: a mango habanero margarita-inspired cocktail available frozen on the rooftop alongside a selection of Chicago-brewed beers and spirits. 

As the world’s first officially licensed Formula 1® social gaming experience, F1® Arcade Chicago will also serve as a destination for official Formula 1® Watch Parties, where guests can watch Grand Prix™ races live while competing on the venue’s state-of-the-art simulators. 

With flexible private event spaces, full-venue buyout options and accommodations for groups of all sizes, F1® Arcade Chicago is positioned to become one of the city’s premier destinations for corporate outings, client entertainment, team-building events, celebrations and private gatherings. 

Reservations for simulator racing experiences are now available at F1Arcade.com. As part of the launch, the first 1,000 guests to book will receive access to a special first-release ticket price of $15 valid throughout F1® Arcade Chicago’s opening month. Standard racing experiences start at $19. Guests are welcome to visit F1® Arcade Chicago to enjoy its food, beverage and rooftop offerings without a racing reservation. The venue welcomes guests of all ages until 7 p.m. daily; after 7 p.m., F1® Arcade Chicago is exclusively for guests 21 and older with valid identification. Private event and large group booking inquiries are currently being accepted through the website. 

F1® Arcade Chicago joins the brand’s growing portfolio of locations across the United States, including Boston, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Denver, Atlanta and Las Vegas, as part of the company’s continued global expansion. 

For the latest updates, sneak peeks and opening announcements, follow @f1arcadeusa on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok or visit F1Arcade.com.