River North’s Formula One arcade to open with immersive racing experience

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, June 23, 2026

A new Formula One-themed arcade featuring 61 full-motion simulators and a rooftop terrace will open in Chicago’s River North neighborhood on August 14, marking the Midwest’s first immersive F1 racing venue. The arcade aims to capitalize on the sport’s growing U.S. popularity by offering affordable, authentic racing experiences and social events, including watch parties and team competitions.

A new Formula One-themed arcade is set to open in Chicago’s River North neighborhood on August 14, introducing the Midwest’s first immersive F1 racing experience. Located at 1 W. Grand Ave., the venue will feature 61 full-motion racing simulators, a 1,500-square-foot rooftop terrace, and a menu blending Chicago-inspired and globally influenced dishes, including Spicy Ahi Tuna Tartare and Wagyu Beef Sliders.

The F1 Arcade, a U.K.-based experiential hospitality brand with exclusive Formula One licensing, already operates eight locations worldwide. This Chicago site will mark its ninth overall and seventh in the United States, joining recently opened venues in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Denver, Las Vegas, and Atlanta. The company’s U.S. headquarters is also based in River North, just blocks from the new arcade.

Founded in 2021 by Adam Breeden, who previously launched entertainment venues like Puttshack and Flight Club, F1 Arcade aims to provide an authentic racing experience accessible to a wide audience, not solely dedicated F1 fans. Jon Gardner, president of global development at F1 Arcade, explained that the decision to open in Chicago was motivated by the city’s growing interest in racing, including NASCAR and street racing culture.

Gardner noted that the search for a suitable location took several years, culminating in acquiring the former Rock Bottom Brewery site. “We’re far enough away from the Magnificent Mile to be accessible to locals and businesses, but close enough to attract some foot traffic from the area,” he said. The arcade is expected to complement other experiential venues emerging near Chicago’s central shopping district.

Visitors can engage with various game modes that support individual or team racing competitions. The venue will also offer private event spaces and operate with age restrictions—admitting children aged seven and older during the day, but switching to a 21-and-over crowd after 7 p.m. Pricing for simulator sessions will start at $19, with a special $15 rate available to the first 1,000 guests during the opening month. Reservations are currently open.

Beyond the simulators, F1 Arcade intends to host watch parties for live Formula One races, complete with DJs to enhance the social atmosphere. Early morning races will be included, responding to fan enthusiasm demonstrated at the company’s other locations, where attendees have shown willingness to participate even before dawn.

Formula One, which boasts a global fanbase of 827 million as of August 2025, has experienced rising popularity in the U.S., a trend that the new arcade seeks to capitalize on by bringing the intensity and excitement of the sport’s competition closer to Chicago audiences. Gardner emphasized the importance of affordability and approachability, contrasting F1 Arcade’s pricing and social focus with more exclusive racing simulator experiences elsewhere.

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