Sep 6, 2006 9:38 am US/Central
Rocky Statue Will Stand Tall Once Again
PHILADELPHIA (AP) ―
In a six to two vote, the Philadelphia Art Commission decided Wednesday to put the famed Rocky statue back in its rightful place, on the grounds of the Art Museum.
Rocky, currently flat on its back in storage warehouse, will soon stand tall in a very familiar location, a street-level pedestal near the site where one of the 1976 movie's iconic scenes were shot.
Running the steps is a 30-year-old tradition that many have undertook since the first Rocky movie. But unlike the movies, the Rocky statue does not stand at the top the steps.
"We came down to Philadelphia and said if we don't do anything, we got to at least run the steps right," said a conference attendee.
"I thought it would be there, but it isn't," said one visitor.
The 8-foot high statue has been in storage for weeks awaiting a vote to move to a new home at the foot of the steps.
For Rocky fans, it is about more than a statue.
"He's every man in Philadelphia and there's always hope, no matter how many times you get knocked down, as long as that bell doesn't ring, you keep getting up," said one Philadelphian.
A dedication ceremony will be held Friday evening, capping off 'Philly Loves Rocky' week complete with prize fights, a look a like contest and personal appearances by Sylvester Stallone at the Hero Thrill Show on Saturday.
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