
The first “Rocky Day” December 3, 2023, was a huge success. As of result, the city of Philadelphia has already begun planning another Rocky Day for later this year. It will be more grand than before. The festival could potentially be a multi-day one. In fact, it is expected to drive global tourism to the city.
Rocky Day
Indeed, Rocky is embedded in Philadelphia culture. The films, the statue, and of course, Sylvester Stallone. Natives are proud of and can relate to what the franchise symbolizes- the story of the underdog achieving success. While visitors travel from all over the world just to take a photo with the statue.
The widespread popularity of it all was evident during last’s year Rocky Day.
The Dec. 3rd event took place on the 47th anniversary of the film’s release. What was meant to be a simple ribbon-cutting ceremony and press release for the newly-opened Rocky store, turned into a grand spectacle with people traveling as far as Chile and Germany to take part in the festivities.
“It was bonkers,” said Kathryn Ott Lovell, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitors Center Corp., the nonprofit that markets the city and connects tourists with local experiences.
Even with Sylvester Stallone himself making an appearance, the city didn’t anticipate just how big it would be, especially in terms of tourism.
“I think ‘Rocky’ has always been sort of a marketing gimmick for us in the tourism industry,” Ott Lovell said. “It’s like cheesesteaks and Ben Franklin, but I think Rocky Day helped demonstrate that ‘Rocky’ is actually a draw for tourism. People are coming to the city to have a ‘Rocky’ experience.”
And now, the city is planning an even bigger Rocky Day for later this year. It’s expected to be even more grandiose and bigger than before.
What To Expect
The first official meeting to begin planning for the next festival was held Wednesday. The festival could potentially take place during a span of a couple of days and include collaborations with other organizations in the city.
First, a date has yet to be set and specifics need to ironed out. However, this will be a big deal for the entire city. Indeed, small-businesses who would benefit from the surge in tourism.
A ‘Rocky tour’ so to speak is also a possibility.
“What we hear from visitors is that (the art museum) is just one stop on their ‘Rocky’ tour,” Ott Lovell said. “People are actually creating their own tour to go to Mighty Mick’s Gym, to go the Victor Cafe, to go see Adrian’s grave at Laurel Hill Cemetery or go to the Italian Market. People are doing this on their own.”
The next Rocky Day would help to build up attention for the 50th anniversary of the films in 2026.
Undoubtedly, 2026 is a big year for Philadelphia. It marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation, as well as being a host city for FIFA World Cup.
Let’s go Philly!