Philadelphia has long been a city with a deep connection to the underdog boxer Rocky Balboa. Nearly 50 years after the first movie launched the enduring series, fans are now going the distance in various ways to pay tribute to this beloved character. From bus tours to ice skating dates and even schoolchildren running the Rocky steps, the city has dedicated a week to the box office heavyweight champion. This year, it's RockyFest, and the excitement is palpable.

Rocky Balboa - A Philly Icon Through the Ages

Rocky's Homecoming

Philadelphia, the city that Rocky called home, finally has a week dedicated to its most famous fictional fighter. The inaugural Rocky Day held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps last year was just the beginning. This year, RockyFest takes center stage, with a series of events that celebrate the enduring appeal of Sylvester Stallone's character.The Rocky Bus Tour served as Round 1 over the weekend, weaving Rocky fanatics through the city and including stops at various significant locations. From Adrian and Paulie's fictional graves to the Italian Market where Rocky trained and the exterior site of Mighty Mick's Gym, fans get a chance to immerse themselves in Rocky's world.

The Rocky Legacy

It seems almost improbable that it took so long for Philadelphia to properly honor "Rocky" and the other eight movies in the series. But now, the city is making up for lost time. The Rocky statue at the base of the museum steps attracts a constant line of fans throughout the day, with movie clips playing ad nauseam. The strains of "Gonna Fly Now" stir before Eagles games, and Rocky's faithful followers run a 50-kilometer race each year, following his training route.There's even a merchandise stand at the steps selling "Italian Stallion" robes and plush Clubber Lang dolls, adding to the overall Rocky experience. Whether it's natives or tourists, everyone seems to be drawn to the charm of Rocky Balboa.

The Impact of Rocky

The 1976 film "Rocky" won a best picture Oscar and remains a favorite among sports movie fans. Its success has had a lasting impact on Philadelphia, making Rocky as much a part of the city's fabric as the Founding Fathers and the Liberty Bell.Stallone and "Creed" star Michael B. Jordan have made previous promotional stops at the Rocky steps, but this year, no actors are expected to attend. However, the spirit of Rocky lives on through the various events and the dedication of the fans.The Philadelphia Visitors Center hatched RockyFest to give overdue appreciation to the series and connect locals and tourists to movie sites. With maps, signage, and visitor services infrastructure now in place, it's easier than ever to explore Rocky's world.Just like Rocky, if the first festival is successful, we can expect more to come. Rocky Balboa has become a symbol of perseverance and hope, and Philadelphia is proud to celebrate him.