Rocky Fans Celebrate "RockyFest" in Philadelphia
Rocky Balboa fans are gearing up to celebrate the iconic character with a week-long festival in Philadelphia. Nearly 50 years after the first movie captivated audiences, fans are coming together to honor the beloved underdog boxer who inspired millions around the world.
Rocky Day: A Tribute to Philly's Favorite Fighter
The city of Philadelphia is dedicating a week to Rocky Balboa, the legendary character who captured the hearts of moviegoers. Following the success of the inaugural Rocky Day, which featured Sylvester Stallone himself, the city is hosting a series of events to pay tribute to the enduring legacy of the Rocky movies.
Rocky Bus Tour Kicks Off Festivities
The Rocky Bus Tour marked the beginning of the festival, taking fans on a journey through iconic locations from the films. From running up the famous 72 steps to unveiling a new statue at the top, the festival kicked off with a bang, capturing the spirit of Rocky's indomitable will.
Unveiling of the New Rocky Statue
A new statue of Rocky was revealed at the top of the iconic steps, symbolizing the resilience and unwavering spirit that the character embodies. Stallone, in a statement, emphasized the statue's representation of the core values of the Rocky films that resonate with fans worldwide.
Celebrating Rocky's Enduring Appeal
This week-long celebration includes a variety of events such as mural unveilings, movie marathons, and discussions on the lasting impact of Stallone's iconic portrayal. Fans can participate in look-alike contests, join RockyU discussions, and embark on a bus tour that showcases key locations from the films.
Stallone's Absence at This Year's Festivities
While Stallone and Michael B. Jordan have graced previous events at the Rocky steps, no actors were expected to attend this year. Stallone, who appeared at last year's Rocky Day, credited the city of Philadelphia for contributing to the character's success and the enduring popularity of the films.
Rocky's Legacy
The 1976 film "Rocky" won an Academy Award for Best Picture and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans. In a recent poll, the film was ranked as one of the top sports movies of all time, highlighting its timeless appeal and cultural significance.
“If no one has seen the movie,” tour guide Adam Clements said before a recent trip, “there will be spoilers.”
While Stallone and “Creed” star Michael B. Jordan have made previous promotional stops at the Rocky steps, no actors were expected to attend this year's events.
The 78-year-old Stallone did appear last year at a rain-soaked Rocky Day and credited the city for the character's success as much as anything the weathered fighter achieved on the big screen.
The 1976 film won a best picture Oscar and in 2020 finished tied for No. 2 in The AP Top 25 favorite sports movies poll.
