Over the weekend I checked out the brand-new Formula 1 Arcade in Philadelphia for a friend’s birthday celebration. It did not disappoint. We went on just the second day open, so the energy was electric and it was full of curious first-timers. With a sleek setup of racing simulators, neon lights and music pumping in the background, the arcade brings a modern, high-energy vibe to Center City.

Our group of 12 was split into four teams of three, which made the experience even more interactive. Not only were we racing against other visitors, but we were also battling it out with our own friends for the top spot. The competition got intense in the best way — everyone was cheering, yelling and celebrating each other as the results rolled in after each race. It added a great dynamic and gave everyone a chance to get involved, whether behind the wheel or watching from the sidelines.

The only hiccup we ran into was with the open seating concept. While it’s nice in theory, it was a bit confusing in practice, especially when it came to food and drink orders. Since some of us were mid-race when food arrived, there was a lot of guesswork trying to figure out who ordered what. It would’ve been helpful if there were a clearer system or designated server to help manage that part of the experience.

Overall, it was a really fun night. The racing was a blast, and the venue definitely has potential as it gets more settled in. But as with most things, it wasn’t just the place — it was the people I was with that made it so special. Competing, laughing and hanging out with close friends at such a unique spot made for a birthday celebration to remember.

— Fiona Stewart, account executive