FORMULA 1 is exploding in popularity in the US, and that is being taken advantage of in the form of the new F1 Arcade.
With three locations across the country — and three more on the way — fans can experience the luxury of an F1 experience.
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F1 Arcade launched its Philadelphia location, the third of six planned locations in the US, earlier this month to a huge reception from locals.
The experience featured dozens of racing simulators paired with amazing food and drink in a luxury atmosphere.
“This is F1 all year round, but you don’t have to be into it to have a blast,” F1 Arcade Vice President of Launch Strategy and Communications told The U.S. Sun.
“So you can experience a little bit of what it would feel like to be in the paddock club,” she said.
“At the same time, there’s something for everyone.”
There are three F1 races in the US every year, but the sport is still very hard to access for many fans.
For those who have never been able to go to a race, Norris believes F1 Arcade gives a similar experience.
“One percent of the population get to go to a race,” Norris said.
“If we can allow them to feel that fabulous for a moment, whether that’s your work crew or your friends, that’s what we’re here for.
“This is a thrilling experience with elevated food and drink. So you cannot leave here and not feel happier.
“It’s an adrenaline hit in less than an hour.”
While F1 Arcade is hoping to deliver a “paddock club” experience to fans of the sport, it is also a fun experience even for someone who doesn’t watch.
“This is an F1 concept, it’s obviously an F1 arcade,” US President of F1 Arcade Jon Gardner said.
“But I think fundamentally what we bring from an experience perspective is not just for F1 fans.”
In fact, Norris believes coming to F1 Arcade can be an introduction for many fans to get into the sport.
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“So just getting in one of these cars or the simulators, you shake, you crash, you spin out,” Norris said.
“We had a couple here yesterday pushing each other to distract. Team racing is so interactive.
“You start to then maybe look at who are those drivers? What team do I want to maybe support?
“But it grows and it’s just fascinating to watch people who knew nothing and then start cheering.”
F1 Arcade is planning three more launches, with locations coming in Las Vegas, Atlanta, and Denver.
