If you’re anything like us, competing with friends in an adrenaline-fueled race to the finish line sounds like the perfect day out. And while there’s many spots around Miami that offer just that, it’s not often you find a neon-filled playground to zoom around in. But that’s exactly what you can expect at Battle Racing in Downtown Miami, a glow-tastic blend of go-kart racing with video game fun!
The hype is real, so you better believe we had to check the place out for ourselves… and we were not disappointed.
Getting there
We made our way inside the building featuring a bright facade of pink and blue gaming blocks to a lobby illuminated by LED signs and claw machines. Before getting behind the wheel, we were to watch a short video explaining the rules. It’s not just about speed here; it’s a unique experience where players can use power-ups to alter their cars or those of their opponents, adding an extra bit of fun to the battle. Think: traps to slow down other vehicles, a shield for the ultimate defense and speed boosts to get an advantage on the lap before anyone else!
Maybe it was the fact that I was about to experience a new track or that the instructional video ended with the message, “Destroy your opponents every step of the way,” but I found myself becoming oddly competitive.
Starting our engines for Battle Racing
Alas, it was time to board my e-kart, which was quite different from your typical go-kart with multiple screens and sound effects. The black-lit track is designed to make you feel as if you’re inside a video game and features sharp twists and turns where strategy will have to beat speed. But whether it’s your first or tenth time on the track, the experience is fit for drivers of all levels — as long as they’re four feet tall at least, according to their website.
Grab your own tickets to Battle Racing here!
Once the countdown went off, I channeled my inner Lewis Hamilton and put all my force on the pedal in hopes of blasting past all the other vehicles for the win. I made sure not to miss a shortcut and pressed the buttons on my steering wheel to release the power-ups I collected throughout the race, causing some friends following closely behind to come to a halt. If you’re reading this, I’m (not) sorry.
After nine laps, I was declared as the winner… until the employee told us this was just a practice run. You see, each ticket includes two races: a warm-up to get a feel of the track and the other being the actual race.
More than just racing
Once we completed our runs around the track, we were taken down a passageway to build up the friendly rivalry with a game of gel blasters — think paintball, but without the mess thanks to gel beads — and remarkably fast RC bumper cars.
With competitive spirits high, we ended the night shooting some hoops on the classic basketball game stationed by the entrance. There were other arcade-style games to continue the fun, and if you’re looking to fuel up, multiple food trucks are stationed behind the building with plenty of options.
Whether for a hangout with the squad, a family adventure, date night or special birthday party, Battle Racing has a little something for everyone. And with the rainy season underway, it’s the ultimate indoor escape!
