PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philly’s newest arcade is revving up for its grand prix grand opening this week.
The F1 Arcade in Center City gives visitors a first-hand Formula One racing experience by putting them in the driver’s seat.
The 19,000-square foot building at Juniper and Chestnut streets housed West Elm until the store closed last year. It’s been renovated in the style of Formula One racing, equipped with a new kitchen and bar, as well as 80 state-of-the-art, expensive racing simulators.
“It’s definitely a positive assault on the senses,” said Liz Norris, F1 Arcade’s vice president of U.S. launch strategy and communications.
“They are full-motion. You’ve got the actual steering wheel — it is based on exactly what an F1 driver would hold, maybe without the technology and the buttons.”
But this is no PlayStation game. Clutching the wheel of the simulator, you kind of feel it in your biceps.
Bookings are required for the simulators, but you can make a pit stop at the bar to try a drink crafted by L.P. O’Brien, champion of Drink Masters on Netflix, such as their version of a root beer float, the “Float on Monaco.”
“We have really beautiful tamarind cola syrup, Rittenhouse Rye, Soda water and then we make the salted vanilla bean cream that goes on top of some grated nuts and it’s served in a flamingo float,” Norris described, “which is quite fun.”
There’s also a VIP area, as well as artwork that honors the sport of Formula One racing, like the “radio wall.”
“A lot of stuff travels through those airwaves while they’re driving,” said Norris, “and some of the best quotes we just captured and you can again take a photo with them, have a little read, have a laugh.”
The inviting atmosphere, Norris said, is meant to attract anyone looking for a fun night out.
“People don’t just wanna come out and have a drink. They want to have an experience they can share.”
F1 Arcade has its grand opening on Thursday, and is open daily to all ages from noon until 7 p.m. After 7, the minimum age to enter is 21.