Boston To Get The First Formula 1 Simulator Racing Arcade In The U.S.
The Seaport district is a desirable location for many new attractions. From free workouts to bocce lanes to cliff diving, this waterside neighborhood has a lot to offer. Now, Boston is set to have the country’s first Formula 1 simulator racing arcade at the seaport.
It was announced yesterday that F1 Arcade is scheduled to open its first U.S. location in March of 2024. It will have multiple Formula 1 simulators offering fans a virtual racing experience. The flagship location located in London opened in 2022. Now, F1 is aiming to replicate the model and is launching in the States at Boston’s Seaport.
The Simulated Racing Experience
The arcade will have full-motion racing simulators. Guests will have the chance to experience the thrill of being behind the wheel of an F1 car and race a variety of Grand Prix tracks. The game will feature four different modes. This provides the option to race in team-based groups, individually, or as part of an all-venue racing format. There are a wide range of skill settings to select from. There’s Rookie for starters, up to Elite for gamers with a high skill level. This simulator racing is built for all ages.
What Else is There?
This will be a 16,000-square-foot venue. It will hold 69 full-motion racing simulators custom designed with F1. In addition, there will be an extra large full-service cocktail bar and a full menu. Finally, high-end private rooms will also be available to rent. They can accommodate up to 200 people.
Formula 1 in the U.S.
The expansion of the first F1 Arcade in America coincides with F1 seeing rapid growth in the country. F1 has found that one in two fans started following the sport within the past four years. Over 270,000 fans attended the Grand Prix in Miami last week.
“Opening our first U.S. location in Boston marks the beginning of our U.S. roll out Formula 1’s success globally and particularly in the U.S. 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 services,” says Adam Breeden, Founder & CEO of F1 Arcade.
In addition to Boston having the world’s first Formula 1 simulator racing arcade in the seaport, a plan is in place for 20 similar venues to open across the country over the next five years. For further information on F1 Arcade Boston Seaport, you can follow @f1arcadeusa on Instagram for updates.
Boston Will be the Only U.S. City To Host Red Bull Cliff Diving
On Saturday, June 3, the Seaport district will host one of the season’s most extreme events. For the second year in a row, Boston will host the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. In fact, Boston is the only American city to be selected to host.
Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) will be the official site where 20 of the world’s best divers will compete. It’s the first stop on the tour, which also includes France, Italy, Japan, Sweden, Bosnia and Herzegovina and New Zealand. The events are held from June to November.
Red Bull describes the event as one where “Divers execute incredible acrobatics from heights of more than 20 meters in the ultimate display of focus and skill.”
There will be 16 divers (8 female / 8 male) competing at each tour stop. In addition, wildcard divers will be selected to represent their country at each location as well. In total, 12 women and 12 men compete at every event. The women launch from a platform of 21 meters high, and the men from 27 meters. They are judged individually by a panel that looks for the creativity and acrobatics displayed in each dive. At the end of every season, a champion is awarded the “King Kahekili” trophy, as well as a winner’s prize fund.
What is Red Bull Cliff Diving?
As Red Bull describes it, “Free-falling from up to 27m combined with awe-inducing acrobatics.” The sport itself originated hundreds of years ago in Hawaii. King Kahekili, after whom the champion’s trophy is now named, was a Hawaiian chief who first leapt from the holy cliffs of Kaunolo in the 1700s. Today, each competition under Red Bull rules takes place over two days. Judges rate each diver. The winner is determined by who has the highest point total at the end.
Boston
There are some Boston date specifics to be aware of. The event is free but with a capacity limit. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot. There will be a giant jumbotron onsite for viewing. Furthermore, there will be live music, interviews, and additional entertainment during the competition. The Boston Harbor waterways are regulated during this time. Though there appear to be some viewpoints, boats are not allowed within the designated marina. Finally, Red Bull does provide drinks and snacks for purchase. The event is rain or shine unless there is thunder, lightning, or high winds. So, mark your calendars for June 3 and head down to the Seaport’s ICA on Northern Avenue.
Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.
