Formula One arcade with racing simulators to open in River North
Feb 24, 2026
A Formula One arcade with racing simulators is headed to River North.The F1 Arcade is slated to open this summer at 1 W. Grand Ave., the former home of Rock Bottom Brewery that was a favorite among tourists and beer fans before it closed suddenly in 2023.The Chicago location is the ninth F1 Arcade,
with the first one opening in London in 2022. The first U.S. location opened in Boston in 2024. Other U.S. locations have recently opened in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Denver, Las Vegas and Atlanta. The U.K.-based F1 Arcade, whose U.S. operations is based in Chicago, holds an exclusive Formula One license. Adam Breeden, co-founder of several entertainment venues such as Puttshack and Flight Club, founded F1 Arcade in 2021. Chicago's location will be the first to have a rooftop terrace, as well as Chicago-inspired specialty cocktails and a dining menu, according to the company. There will be 70 full-motion racing simulators with multiple game modes, allowing guests to race individually or in teams.Visitors will also be able to attend official Formula One watch parties."Chicago is a city that thrives on energy, competition and unforgettable experiences, which makes it a natural home for F1 Arcade,” Jon Gardner, president of global development at F1 Arcade, said in a news release. "With our U.S. headquarters based here, bringing F1 Arcade to River North feels especially meaningful. … This venue is designed specifically for the city and its culture.”F1 Arcade plans to open 30 locations globally in the next five years, according to a news release.
Inside the Atlanta location of F1 ArcadeProvided by F1 Arcade
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