Kathryn Ott Lovell, President & CEO, Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation, discussed the import economic role tourism and the Visitor Center play for the region.  With so many major conventions and sporting events, and with its close proximity to Washington, D.C. and New York, Philadelphia is a major national and international tourist destination.  She discussed how her staff work with travelers at four stations across the city to make their visit memorable whether they are looking for dining, museums, history, sports, outdoor recreation or family entertainments.  They work with regional sites and institutions to make their stations the easiest way to learn about leisure time in Philadelphia. 

Kathryn is thrilled to announce that they will be celebrating Rocky this December with the first ever Rocky Fest and Rocky Day December 3.  Working with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Philadelphia Film Society, Mural Arts Philadelphia, Monument Lab, the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, Laurel Hill Cemetery, the University of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia Zoo Phlash bus tours will take guests to famous Rocky film locations beginning November 30 – December 8.  Other events include Real Life Rockys Mural Unveiling on December 4,

Southpaws Yappy Hour at the Docks December 5,  a Rocky Date Night at Penn Ice Rink December 6, Rocky Movie Marathons December 6 – 8 and another Rocky Date Night at The Zoo December 7.  The new Rocky gift shop can be found at the base of the ‘Rocky Steps’ at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

We finished with a discussion of their plans for 2026 – which also happens to be the 50th anniversary of Rocky’s release – and what the city can expect with World Cup Soccer, the MLB All Star Game and more during the holiday week.

For more information about Rocky celebrations go to PHLVisitorCenter.com/RockyFest.