Airspeeder has teamed up with global architecture firm HOK to design what is reportedly the world’s first modular race vertiport and event space, setting the stage for the future of eVTOL racing.
This innovative concept aims to revolutionise both the sport and spectator experience, blending cutting-edge design with sustainability. The project, designed by HOK’s London-based Sports + Entertainment team, showcases the future of eVTOL racing infrastructure.
The Airspeeder design addresses the unique challenges of air racing while creating an immersive space for spectators. With modularity, sustainability, and fan experience at its core, the vertiport aims to transform how the sport is viewed and experienced.
At the heart of the concept is the Skydeck – a multi-functional hub that sits directly beneath the airborne racetrack, giving fans an unmatched experience of the race. The vertical nature of the setup offers a 360-degree experience, where viewers can see everything from the race grid to mid-race pit stops and the finish line, all from one spot.
Skydeck’s modularity allows for easy expansion, ensuring that the facility can grow alongside the Airspeeder series. Initially set to accommodate up to 10 teams and 20 Airspeeders, the structure can scale to meet the evolving needs of the sport, keeping pace with its rapid development.
HOK’s design also features an ‘airside’ zone, where teams have protected workspaces, ensuring operational safety while still allowing spectators to feel part of the action. Retractable landing pads enable Airspeeders to make mid-race pit stops to change batteries, ensuring fairness and efficiency in competition.
This adaptability makes it a long-term solution for both racing and fan engagement, ensuring that the infrastructure can evolve without losing its core functionality.
In line with Airspeeder’s commitment to sustainability, the modular vertiport adheres to a “leave no trace” policy. Solar-powered infrastructure and virtual race tracks mean the design minimises environmental impact, particularly in desert environments where early races will take place.
The project also promises an enhanced spectator experience, balancing both real and augmented views of the race. The design brings fans closer to the action with retractable landing pads for mid-race pit stops and advanced technology that connects fans, whether on-site or watching remotely.
In partnership with Saltwater Games, creators of the Airspeeder game Celeros, Airspeeder is not just pushing the limits of flying car racing through gaming, but also preparing the next generation of eVTOL pilots at these locations. The simulator will be used both at live race events and beyond, blending virtual and real-world training to ensure that racers are prepared for the unique challenges of airborne competition.
Skydeck marks an exciting step in the development of Airspeeder as both a sport and a vision for the future of mobility. The modular vertiport is more than just infrastructure planning — it’s a statement about the potential of eVTOL racing and the future of urban mobility at scale.
Stephen Sidlo, Global Media & Marketing Director at Airspeeder, said, “We believe that flying car racing will initiate a new mobility revolution, advancing eVTOL and EV technology to benefit the entire industry. This collaboration with HOK represents not just a new sport, but the future of high-speed, sustainable mobility.”
John Rhodes, Director of Sports & Entertainment at HOK, commented, “It is incredibly exciting to design a brand new sports typology. Airspeeder challenged us to draw on our decades of expertise designing for F1 and other sporting events while also imagining a physical environment for the future.”
