Formula 1 isn’t just a sport anymore—it’s a culture, a spectacle, and now a nightlife destination.
That was the unmistakable vibe recently when F1 Arcade, the world’s first full-motion Formula 1 simulator gaming venue, launched its fourth U.S. site in Denver’s vibrant RiNo Arts District. “Every opening, it’s about trying to launch with a bang and really give people that F1 energy,” said Liz Norris, VP of US Launch Strategy & Communications, and Denver certainly delivered. The 15,000-square-foot venue radiates the bold, buzzy atmosphere of Formula 1®, with 69 state of the art simulators, globally inspired small plates, and cocktails crafted by Netflix Drink Masters winner LP O’Brien and Denver mixologist Alex Jump.
“Denver has been, I think, the biggest and the boldest [launch] at the minute,” Norris shared. “Being in RiNo, it being so creative, we had to do something very different.” The space pairs high-octane technology with stylish design and local flavor. The menu was tweaked for Colorado tastes, and O’Brien’s cocktail program adds a hometown flourish with signature drinks like the bourbon-based Blucifer’s Bolt—an homage to Denver Airport’s iconic Blue Mustang—and the playful Mantequilla with tequila, raspberry, and browned butter. “We did go a bit bigger, we did go a bit bolder,” she added. F1 Arcade is more than a quick thrill—it’s a tailored, gamified experience. Through the innovative F1® Arcade Hub, guests create personal driver profiles to track achievements and compete in Head to Head Racing or Team Racing for groups of four or more. With five skill levels from “rookie” to “elite,” anyone can strap in and chase the checkered flag on iconic Grand Prix™ tracks. “It gets addictive, and you realize you finish, and you have this adrenaline that hits you. You can’t that from doing many things,” Norris said after a few laps.
F1 Arcade began as a start-up in London four years ago, born from a close partnership with Formula 1. Since then, the brand has expanded to Birmingham, Boston, D.C., and Philadelphia, with ambitions for 30 locations globally by 2027. “We are fast and furious and hopefully fabulous in all these markets,” Norris said with a smile.
Between races, guests can refuel with a bold, flavor-forward menu inspired by global street food and upscale classics such as XO Scallops, Dynamite Fried Chicken with Lemon Aioli, Ahi Tuna Tostadas, Korean Gochujang Cauliflower Wings, and Wagyu Beef Sliders. Non-drinkers can enjoy creative mocktails from the “Designated Driver” menu, while groups can book a VIP space with F1-circuit-inspired chandeliers, vibrant neon walls, dedicated sims, and an outdoor patio for private events. Jon Gardner, President of Global Development at F1® Arcade, summed it up, “This venue isn’t just about the racing—it’s about creating an experience for friends, families and fans to come together, enjoy incredible food and cocktails, and feel the thrill of Formula 1 in a way that’s fun for everyone.”
With the U.S. Grand Prix stops in Austin and Las Vegas still to come this season, Denver’s new F1 Arcade invites locals to rev up their own race-day excitement. Whether you’re a casual fan or chasing pole position, the venue captures the glamour and high-speed thrill that have turned Formula 1 into a global cultural phenomenon.
