F1 says it has plans to open 20 arcades in the United States over the next five years, but this would be the first.
Formula 1 and esports are growing more and more in the United States and today Formula 1 announced it will be launching its first US-based F1 Arcade venue at Boston Seaport in early 2024 as the sport continues to enjoy unprecedented growth in the country.
The new location, situated in a redeveloped area of Boston’s Southern waterfront, follows the incredible reception and success the flagship F1 Arcade venue in London has received with over 100k visitors since it opened in November, and kickstarts an ambitious plan that will target more than 20 permanent venues in the US over the next five years.
Covering 16,000 square feet, the new F1 Arcade takes inspiration from the world of Formula 1, with 69 racing simulators designed especially for the venue, each equipped with cutting edge motion and audio-visual effects to fully immerse guests in the race. Combined with a premium food and drink offering, the venue promises to match the famous F1 hospitality enjoyed at Grands Prix around the world.
The gameplay experience, created by Motorsport Games via its RFactor2 racing simulation platform, allows guests to choose from a variety of racing modes to compete against each other individually, in teams, or as part of all-venue racing formats. Different modes are available for all ages and abilities, making the experience competitive and exhilarating for all who race.
“Opening our first US location in Boston marks the beginning of our US roll out,” said Adam Breeden, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of 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.”
The launch of the first F1 Arcade in the US comes as it continues to be one of the markets where F1 has seen the most rapid growth, with 1 in 2 fans starting to follow the sport in the last four years. These new fans, both in the US and other markets, are changing the profile of the sport’s growing fanbase with most of them being under 35, with a higher percentage of females compared to the established fanbase. 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% from 2022.
The increasing demand continues at track too, with over 270k fans in attendance last weekend at the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX 2023, an increase of 30k on the inaugural race. This followed
the FORMULA 1 ARAMCO UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX in October which saw the highest attendance of the 2022 F1 season, as 440,000 fans visited the Circuit of the Americas, up 10% from the event in 2021. There is also huge excitement building around the inaugural FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN SILVER LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX in November later this year.
The F1 Arcade concept was created by Adam Breeden, the pioneer of competitive socialising and creator of notable venues including Flight Club, Bounce, Hijingo, All Star Lanes and Puttshack.
“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,” said Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of 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.”
