WHEREAS, The inimitable
Rocky
debuted nationwide forty-seven years ago, catapulting Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps into the hearts of underdogs around the world; and
WHEREAS, Spanning decades, the nine-film series broke box office records, received critical acclaim and inspired countless sport-themed film and television franchises including the present-day addition to the Rocky universe,
Creed,
starring Michael B. Jordan, that is also set in Philadelphia
; and
WHEREAS,
The City of Philadelphia also celebrates the artist Slyvester Stallone, a writer, actor, and filmmaker forever known as his iconic character “Rocky”; and
WHEREAS, His tough yet relatable character is deeply embedded in the psyche of generations of Philadelphians and millions of fans worldwide who make the pilgrimage to visit “Rocky’s hometown” each year to take pictures with the Rocky Statue at the foot of the art museum and run the iconic stairs; and
WHEREAS, On December 3, 2023, the Philadelphia Visitors Center, in partnership with the Sly Stallone Shop, the official brand of Sylvester Stallone, will celebrate the ribbon cutting of The Rocky Shop at The Parkway Visitor Center Outpost which will serve visitors to the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps and the famous Rocky Statue; and
WHEREAS, This event marks the first time since 1982, when the Rocky Statue was presented and gifted to the City of Philadelphia by Sylvester Stallone, that licensed apparel and souvenirs of the Sly Stallone Shop and Rocky franchise will be available when visiting the Rocky Statue; and
WHEREAS, The Rocky franchise continues to be a global phenomenon inspiring everyday people to be ambitious, passionate and a champion, even when the odds are stacked against you; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby designates December 3, 2023, as “Rocky Day” in the City of Philadelpha to celebrate the anniversary of the 1976 motion picture debut of Rocky.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Sylvester Stallone, in recognition of this occasion, further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
End