The more than 4 million visitors on average that visit the Rocky Statue outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art shows an immense level of popularity for the fictitious boxer, writes Julia Merola for Billy Penn at WHYY.

To add to the popularity, Philadelphians and tourists will be able to buy official Rocky gear.

The Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation has officially closed a retail collaboration deal with Sly Stallone Shop, the official brand of Sylvester Stallone and the trademark owner of the Rocky franchise.

It marks the first time licensed apparel and souvenirs of the Sly Stallone Shop and Rocky franchise will be available in the area since 1982.

Stallone played a key role in getting the shop established, reaching out to Mayor Jim Kenney and contributing $100,000 to help get it built.

“I’m incredibly proud of my association and roots in Philadelphia. Without Philly I never would have had such a blessed life,” said Stallone.

The Rocky apparel will be available at the Parkway Visitor Center Outpost, located at the base of the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

“We’re thrilled to expand our visitor services in this location to provide exclusive access to apparel and souvenirs,” said Kathryn Ott Lovell, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation.

Customers can purchase a variety of jackets, trunks, and robes from the Rocky series, as well as various collectibles.

Read more about the “Rocky Shop” in Billy Penn at WHYY.

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Sylvester Stallone unboxing and talking about the history of the epic Rocky Balboa boxing charm.