Rocky fans set world record at Philly Art Museum
The Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed as Rocky Balboa was established at the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps on Friday.
Hundreds of people dressed in gray sweatsuits, black high-top sneakers, and black knit hats stood gathered at the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps Friday.
As the cold winds and drizzling rain soaked into their cotton tops, they ran up the steps and raised their fists near the Rocky statue in a moment of triumph.
The group established the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed as the fictional boxer Rocky Balboa.
The event celebrated the 50th anniversary of Sylvester Stallone’s 1976 classic, which follows an underdog pugilist who gets an unlikely shot at the world heavyweight title.
Before the attempt, the would-be Rockys warmed up to “Eye of the Tiger” and other classic songs associated with the film series.
Participants also got to run or walk up the museum steps like in the movies. This was expected to be done in groups of 100.
The Rockys, ranging in age from young fighters to seasoned ones, prepared to run up the 72 steps in front of them, in celebration of the Guinness World Record.
The final official number of Rockys was 570.
Andy Glass, the Guinness World Records adjudicator, said record-establishing attempt required at least 250 participants wearing all four parts of Balboa’s outfit: gray hoodie, gray sweatpants, a black-knit hat, and black high-top Converse-style shoes.
Glass, a Brooklyn resident who came to Philadelphia to verify the world record, said seeing the people who have adopted the fictional character is what makes the day special.
“Sure, it’s about the films and the character that inspires so many people,” he said. “But to see the people behind it all is the part that is so amazing to see.”
Glass said he was not surprised to see so many people line up to participate in the record attempt.
“Rocky’s spirit is unbreakable. Philly’s spirit is unbreakable,” he said. “[Rocky] went the distance. Right? Let’s see if Philly goes the distance today.”
If the record is achieved, Glass said he wouldn’t be surprised if more Guinness World Record attempts will take place at the museum steps for years to come.
“Records are made to be broken,” he said.
Rocky turned Stallone, then a struggling actor, into one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. The title character he created has since become one of Philadelphia’s most beloved cultural icons.
Fifty years later, fans are still celebrating the Oscar-winning film.
Joe Ricchezza, a 59-year-old South Philly native, said he remembers being a 9-year-old shadow boxing in the parking lot of the movie theater after watching the 1976 film.
Ricchezza said the film continues to resonate with people because of the spirit of the sports-drama and Stallone’s portrayal of the hard-nosed boxer.
“It’s the whole underdog mentality,” he said. “It’s about the fight and the struggle.”
His wife Renee Ricchezza, 59, said it’s a universal message and one that drew participants from all over the world to take part in the record-setting moment.
“It’s a movie that’s seen and felt everywhere,” she said. “We heard about people coming from Brazil, and we met someone from Madrid, Spain.”
Jim Cesario, 61, who traveled from Warren, R.I., said it was a “thrill” to celebrate alongside hundreds of Rocky fans, who were as inspired as he was by the 50-year-old film.
“When I ran to the top of the steps, it felt like I was in the movie,” he joked.
Fans traveled across the region to attend the event, hosted by the Philadelphia Visitor Center as part of Rocky Season.
The celebration includes Rocky bus tours, the Rocky Run, a Rocky-themed National Dog Show, and a rededication of the Rocky Statue.
A free “Tiny Steps Rocky Concert” with the Philly Pops was planned before the Guinness World Record attempt but was canceled because of inclement weather. The Rocky statue rededication was also postponed, with a new date yet to be announced.
