f"PHILLY LOVES ROCKY WEEK" HONORS SLY STALLONE
A Week of Rocky-Themed Events Mark Film’s 30th Anniversary
PHILADELPHIA, August 31, 2006 - Thirty years after director/writer/actor Sylvester Stallone’s famous run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art as Rocky Balboa in the 1976 Academy Award-winning film, the city is gearing up to celebrate the movie’s anniversary and the upcoming release of the series’ last installment with “Philly Loves Rocky Week,” running September 6-9, 2006. All events are free, except the Hero Thrill Show, which raises money for the education of survivors of police and fire personnel killed in the line of duty. Here’s a look at what’s going on:
The famous Rocky Statue
Photo by R. Tarver for GPTMC
All events are subject to change.
September 6, 12:00 noon-2:00 p.m.
Boxing Exhibition
In the true tradition of Rocky, 12 boxing slugfests—three two-minute rounds—will take center stage in an outdoor boxing exhibition showcasing more than 20 young hopefuls and area fighters, including former world heavyweight champion Tim Witherspoon. JFK Plaza (LOVE Park), 15th Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard
September 7, 12:00 noon-2:00 p.m.
Rocky/Adrian Look-Alike Contest
With songs from the soundtracks of Rocky movies as the backdrop, finalists of a Rocky and Adrian Look-Alike contest will parade in front of celebrity judges. Contestants are eligible to receive a Philly Overnight® Hotel Package, a miniature Love statue and tickets to the debut of the new Rocky movie in December. JFK Plaza (LOVE Park), 15th Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard
September 8, 6:00 p.m.
Rocky Statue Dedication
The city will keep the Rocky hoopla rolling, with the Rocky statue dedication featuring invited speakers Mayor John F. Street, Academy Award-winning actor Sly Stallone and many other dignitaries in a star-studded ceremony to mark the new home of the statue at the foot of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps. Frank Stallone, Stallone’s sibling, musician Connie Stevens and actors Burt Young (“Paulie” in Rocky) and Joely Fisher are also scheduled to make appearances. The dedication will be followed by a performance by The Don’t Call Me Francis Band presented by Philadelphia radio personality Bob Pantano, and a scheduled showing on an outdoor movie screen of the original Academy Award-winning film. 26th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
September 9, 12:00 noon-9:00 p.m.
Hero Thrill Show
Filmmaker Sylvester Stallone will be the grand marshal at the enhanced 2006 Hero Thrill Show. The finale of the long weekend celebration features special guests, including Burt Young, Frank Stallone, Connie Stevens, Joely Fisher; the music of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff’s Sound of Philadelphia and an all-star lineup of more than 20 musical acts; and the world-famous Philadelphia Police Highway Patrol Drill Team. Tickets are $10 and available at local police and fire stations or at www.HeroThrillShow.org. Outside the Wachovia Spectrum, 3601 S. Broad Street
Check www.gophila.com/rocky for up-to-date information as details listed above are subject to change. A Philadelphia itinerary based on the Rocky movies (including Rocky Balboa, scheduled for a December 22 release) is also available at www.gophila.com/rocky.
The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside™ a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region’s vitality. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit www.gophila.com or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676.
Note to Editors: For high-resolution images of Rocky Week events, visit our Photo Gallery.
CONTACT:
Cara Schneider, GPTMC
(215) 599-0789, cara@gptmc.com
Randy Giancaterino, City of Philadelphia
(215) 683-2070, Randy.Giancaterino@phila.gov
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