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The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Follow in Rocky's steps as Philadelphia gears up for a knockout 2026
The William Penn Statue on top of City Hall. Picture: PHLCVB By David Polkinghorne This is the tale of two statues. And a curse, in a city that's so sport obsessed officials "grease the poles" to stop the fans from climbing up them during celebrations. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue reading All articles from our website The digital version of Today's Paper All other in your area It's perfectly understandable you'd get a little excited after a win, especially when you've had a curse to deal with - one that's rendered all of your city's sporting teams impotent on the national stage. No Super Bowls. No World Series. No World Championships. No Stanley Cups. Just droughts. A curse caused by greedy developers breaking an age-old gentleman's handshake involving your founding father. This is the tale of Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love. The birthplace of the USA. And, perhaps more importantly, the home of Rocky - the world's most famous fictional boxer - and his steps. It's a gritty city. A working-class city. And that's probably why they're so sports mad. There's nothing like a victory-induced climb up a greasy pole to help you forget your troubles. The Rocky statue. Picture: PHLCVB Philadelphia's old city is beautiful - and filled with history. It's in the south-west corner of Pennsylvania state, a centre of US dairy farming. If you're lucky you'll get a sight of Philly's rural surrounds, with wild deer grazing on the side of the road, as you drive in from the airport. At the heart of Philadelphia is the statue of William Penn. "Billy" to his mates. The likeness of Philly's founding father stands atop City Hall, surveying the city's expanse between the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. And forever in Philly's heart is the statue of Rocky, the character made famous by actor Sylvester Stallone in the 1970s and 1980s - a working-class hero who conquered the world. It sits near the base of the steps that now bear the boxer's name; steps cracked and worn by the thousands of tourists and locals pounding up and down them. You haven't been to Philly if you haven't re-enacted Rocky's famous dash up them. Back to Billy and his curse, created when developers broke the agreement not to build higher than Penn's statue, building the One Liberty Place skyscraper 121 metres above Penn in 1987. Eagles cheerleaders at Lincoln Financial Field. Picture: PHLCVB Misery ensued. The Eagles in the National Football League (NFL). The 76ers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Phillies in the Major League Basebell (MLB). The Flyers in the National Hockey League (NHL). None of them were spared. For 21 long and lonely years, Philadelphians only had to look to the sky to see the source of their suffering. Finally, a couple of cheeky construction workers came to the rescue. They affixed a souvenir statuette of Penn to the top of the Comcast Centre when it was finished in 2007, ensuring Billy returned to the top of Philly. Sixteen months later, the Phillies won the 2008 World Series and pandemonium ensued. Greased poles and all. It happened again when the Comcast Technology Centre became the new tallest building in 2017. Penn statuette again affixed. This time it only took two months before the Eagles won the Super Bowl - ending a 57-year drought of their own. The City of Brotherly Love's Love Park. And there's only one place the party can continue once you slide down from those poles. The Rocky steps. More than 1 million people attended the Eagles' victory parade following this year's Super Bowl win in February. Naturally it ended in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where the steps reside. They are so synonymous with success, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts refused to visit them until he'd won a Super Bowl and this year's parade was the first time he'd been there. "It was crazy the day of the march and the day they won," Juan, a Dominican Republic expat now living in Philly, told me. "The Eagles are the craziest, but most-loyal fans. The first time the Eagles won [in 2018] people were burning couches on the street, climbing light poles. This time they didn't ... but it was cool." NCAA men's college basketball tournament at Wells Fargo Centre, March 20 and 22 US PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, May 14-17 FIFA World Cup - six games at Lincoln Financial Field, June and July MLB (Major League Baseball) All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park, July 14 US Amateur Golf Championships at Merion Golf Club, August 10-16 It's that passion that makes Philadelphia and its fans what they are. They're known for it around the US. And it's a cool place to watch sport, regardless of what your poison is. Their three stadiums are grouped together in South Philly - about six kilometres from Centre City. September-October is the sweet spot if you're interested in your American sports. That's when all four seasons overlap - NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB. And you could stay at the Live! Casino, which is just a short walk from them all. There's also plenty of accommodation in Centre City, like Loews Philadelphia Hotel. A baseball game at Citzens Bank Park. Picture: PHLCVB Philadelphia will become a hotbed of soccer supporters in June and July next year during the World Cup, with Lincoln Financial Field hosting six games. It's not the only major sporting event descending on the City of Brotherly Love in 2026 - there's the NCAA men's college basketball tournament in March, the US PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in May, the MLB All-Star Game in July and the US Amateur Golf Championships in August. When I was there they'd ripped up Lincoln Financial Field to get it ready for the FIFA Club World Cup, which wrapped up last month. Tours had been suspended, but the Eagles were kind enough to show me around. Independence Hall is literally the birthplace of the USA. It's where the constitution was signed and the first congress sat. Across the road is the Liberty Bell, which has become a symbol of human rights, with the crack that ended its use as a bell a symbol of humanity's flaws. Next stop in Philadelphia's beautiful Old City is the Museum of the American Revolution and the National Constitution Centre, where history buffs can learn as much or as little as they want about the constitution and the Civil War. When you finish your run up Rocky's Steps, you'll notice a big, old building at the top. The Philadelphia Museum of Art has works from all the greats - Picasso, Cezanne, Monet, Warhol - but also an eclectic mix ranging from medieval armour to an Indian temple. Art buffs should also head to the nearby Barnes Foundation, which is a private collection worth about $47 billion. The Reading Terminal Market is a vibrant place to grab some breakfast or lunch, while checking out Philly's local produce - like fresh seafood, 1000 different types of bacon and corndogs (aka dagwood dogs). You can watch pretzels get made before washing one down with a cheeky breakfast beer from the bar. Infamous gangster Al Capone spent seven months living in Philadelphia - as an inmate of the Eastern State Penitentiary. You can check out his cell in this experimental prison, where inmates originally served their penance in silence and isolation. The jail's punishment gained its own notoriety, with Charles Dickens visiting to witness it first hand. Aside from the 10,500 solar panels that double as LEDs and can create the image of a flying eagle, the other highlights were the restaurant/bar at the exit of the players race - where you can high-five the Eagles as they run onto the field. There's also one on the other side where the away team runs out, but it's behind closed windows to keep things somewhat polite. The Phillies showed me around Citizens Bank Park, where you can see Penn's statue from the stands behind home plate. Their tour started with a random painting of the MLB club's greats in the foyer - painted by Aussie artist Jamie Cooper, who turned up with the four-metre painting unannounced. While the tours were great, they could never compare to the atmosphere of a Flyers game at the Wells Fargo Centre. Un. Be. Lievable. If a sound system that would do an AC/DC concert justice was the cake, the kinetic, 4K scoreboard was the icing. It can change shape and shoot flames at the same time, although luckily not far enough to melt the ice bench tops in the bar. The Rocky Steps. Picture: PHLCVB The nearby Philadium provided the perfect pre-game feed and brew: good pub grub, like Philly's famous cheesesteaks, washed down with a good range of beers. The number of taps in Philly bars is mind-blowing; they are packed together like sardines. Xfinity Live! - a dining and entertainment complex in the stadium precinct - put on some post-game entertainment, involving hours of watching fans test themselves against a mechanical bull, somehow avoiding serious injury in the process. And outside? A statue of former world heavyweight champion Joe Frazier, one of the boxers credited with being Stallone's inspiration for Rocky. Better make that three statues. The writer was a guest of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau Words by David Polkinghorne Covering the Raiders, Cavalry, cycling and racing, plus everything else that involves sport in the ACT, for The Canberra Times. Basically I love sport and watching it is a full-time job. Email:
Hindustan Times
08-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Philadelphia; a city that reads between the lines
In a city best known for birthing American independence, it's easy to overlook the quieter revolution of the pen. But Philadelphia is not only the birthplace of a nation — it's also one of America's great literary cities. From Benjamin Franklin's printing presses to contemporary indie bookstores thriving in repurposed rowhouses, the City of Brotherly Love has long been a haven for writers, readers, and radical thinkers. The Philadelphia skyline (Photo by J. Ryan for the PHLCVB) Founded in 1682 by William Penn, an English Quaker and advocate of religious freedom, Philadelphia was the capital of the colonial era province of Pennsylvania. It went on to play a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War, serving as the first capital of the United States from May 10, 1775, to December 12, 1777. 'As the capital, Philadelphia soon became a literary nucleus. Local presses printed pamphlets, newspapers, and journals, fanning the flames of rebellion and civic thought,' says the guide taking us on a walking tour of Philly. In 1731, inventor and to-be statesman Benjamin Franklin founded the Library Company of Philadelphia, the first public library in the colonies. Free and open to the public, it is today known for its rare collection of books and art and often hosts exhibits and public programmes. A printer by trade, Franklin not only championed literacy but also published the influential Poor Richard's Almanack from 1732 to 1758. 'Published under the pseudonym of Richard Saunders, it contained all sorts of interesting information: the calendar, weather predictions, sayings, poems. recipes, trivia, advice, aphorisms, and proverbs,' the guide says. The Free Library of Philadelphia (Courtesy The Free Library of Philadelphia) Franklin considered his almanac a vehicle of instruction for common people who could not afford books. The print run for his 'literature for the masses' hit up to 10,000 per year. His one-liners, including 'Little strokes fell great oaks', 'Necessity never made a good bargain', and 'Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing', showcased his wit and wisdom -- and are quoted across the world till today. Franklin's contemporaries included writers like Thomas Paine, whose Common Sense, a 47-page pamphlet ignited the American independence movement, and Charles Brockden Brown, often considered the first American novelist. In the 19th century, the city nurtured literary giants such as Edgar Allan Poe, who was based here for six of his most productive years. It was while living at 7th and Spring Garden that he wrote The Tell-Tale Heart, The Fall of the House of Usher, and The Black Cat. The Poe House, now a National Historic Site, preserves the claustrophobic charm of his former residence, complete with a hauntingly bare cellar that could have inspired his darkest tales. Philadelphia was also home to Louisa May Alcott, who briefly lived here as a governess; and Walt Whitman, who spent his final years across the river in Camden, often crossing the Delaware for walks and literary salons. A plaque in Philadelphia's City Hall courtyard commemorates Whitman's influence, quoting his line: 'I loaf and invite my soul.' By the turn of the century, literary journals such as Lippincott's Monthly Magazine, headquartered in the city, were publishing rising stars like Oscar Wilde, who debuted The Picture of Dorian Gray in its pages in 1890. In the 20th century, Philadelphia continued to shape American literature through its universities and its grittier street-level narratives. Black writers, in particular, found their voices here, capturing the complexities of urban life, inequality, and Black identity. Philadelphia-born poet Sonia Sanchez became a leading figure in the Black Arts Movement, and her evocative verse has inspired generations of poets. She once described poetry as 'the soul's whisper,' a whisper that seems to echo in Philly's alleys and auditoriums alike. Novelists like John Edgar Wideman and Lorene Cary chronicled the experience of growing up Black in Philadelphia with works like Philadelphia Fire and Black Ice, blending memory and social commentary. Wideman's spare yet lyrical prose, influenced by jazz, gives the city's underbelly a powerful rhythm: 'He came out the alley with his hands up and the cop fired.' Philadelphia is also home to the literary quarterly American Poetry Review, which has brought voices like Adrienne Rich, WS Merwin, and Tracy K Smith to wider audiences. Literary landmarks The Free Library of Philadelphia, housed in a striking neoclassical building, is located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. In April 2019, the building's first renovation since its construction in 1927 saw architects relocate six historic stacks to create 41,000 square feet of space for a modern business resource and innovation centre, an inclusive cultural and civic engagement space, and a welcoming teen centre. 'It frequently hosts literary and other events,' the guide says as we walk down the expansive road. The Rosenbach Museum and Library in Rittenhouse Square showcases some important literary treasures including the manuscript of James Joyce's Ulysses (Courtesy The Rosenbach Museum and Library) The Rosenbach Museum and Library in Rittenhouse Square showcases some important literary treasures: James Joyce's manuscript for Ulysses, 600 Lewis Carroll books, letters and rare photos; Shakespeare's 1664 folio; first editions of Don Quixote; William Blake's original drawings and books; portions of Charles Dickens' manuscripts; and notes for Bram Stoker's Dracula. The Black Writers Museum, the only US museum that spotlights Black literature, is located in Germantown and houses rare newspapers and documents, manuscripts, photographs first editions, signed books, and recordings. Then there's Historic Christ Church Burial Ground, where Franklin is buried. It's impossible to leave without placing a penny at the grave of the man who popularised his maxim: 'A penny saved is a penny earned.' A few blocks away is the house where Frances EW Harper, one of the first African American women to be published in the US, lived and worked as an abolitionist and writer. The bookshops of today Modern Philly showcases its past in its many cobblestone alleys, 18th-century buildings, and landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. But the historic façade co-exists with a restless, creative energy that reveals itself in its many murals and art galleries – and, of course, bookstores. Brickbat Books, a tiny store along Philadelphia's Fabric Row, stocks rare first editions and graphic novels. The creaky floors and quiet atmosphere make it a great place to book hunt. At House of Our Own, located in a two-storey Victorian townhouse near the University of Pennsylvania campus, students and the public have been scouring the shelves for new and used books for almost 50 years. Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books in Germantown, founded by scholar and activist Marc Lamont Hill, has become a hub for community-centred dialogue, offering an intentionally curated selection of books centering Black and marginalised voices. The hip neighbourhood of Fishtown has Ulises, a contemporary store stocking a fine range of artist-driven books and magazines, and offering performance art and indie film screenings. In Queen Village, Headhouse Books offers a quiet refuge of literary fiction, art books, and philosophical tomes, along with author events that feel more like intimate salons than formal readings. Harriett's Bookshop, named for historical heroine Harriett Tubman, celebrates women authors, artists, and activists (Courtesy Harriett's Bookshop) Further north, The Book Trader near Independence Mall stacks thousands of used books from floor to ceiling in narrow aisles — an organised chaos where you can stumble upon a vintage Vonnegut next to a well-loved Baldwin. As the name suggests, Harriett's Bookshop, named for historical heroine Harriett Tubman, celebrates women authors, artists, and activists. The Head & The Hand, meanwhile, supports local and emerging writers, and allows you to share your love for books with a 'date night' in the bookshop. And for those seeking genre delight, Partners and Son, a comic and graphic novel-focused shop in Olde Kensington, blends visual storytelling with literary depth. Philadelphia's neighbourhoods also host small press readings, poetry nights, zine fairs, and seasonal book festivals. Not to be missed is the Philadelphia Bookstore Crawl, a yearly celebration of the city's vibrant bookstore scene, held at the end of every August (August 23 this year). There's no specific trail; just a list of participating bookshops and numerous events like book signings, author talks, little giveaways, and discounted books. In many ways, Philadelphia is a city that reads between the lines. From the 18th-century writings of Benjamin Franklin to the contemporary voices emerging from community centres and coffeehouse stages, Philadelphia offers a layered and living literary tradition. The city's book culture is not confined to museums or monuments — it continues to evolve in libraries, bookstores, and the habits of readers and writers who call the city home. Teja Lele is an independent editor and writes on books, travel and lifestyle.
CBS News
12-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Michelin Guide is coming to Philadelphia with inspectors already in the field
Restaurants in Philadelphia could soon achieve a Michelin star. The Michelin Guide is coming to Philadelphia, and its inspectors are already dining in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. Michelin North America Inc. and the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) announced a partnership Monday, revealing that Philly restaurants and chefs will be considered for the world-renowned dining guidebook. Boston is also joining the Michelin Guide. The two cities will be included in the new Northeast Cities edition along with New York City, Washington, D.C. and Chicago. Michelin inspectors are already in Philadelphia, eating at the city's restaurants. The 2025 selections will be announced during the annual Michelin Guide Northeast Cities ceremony. Restaurants can be awarded up to three stars, while the Bib Gourmand award showcases standout eateries offering meals at affordable prices. "The local passion, talent and camaraderie in both Boston and Philadelphia is evident in their restaurant communities and the anonymous Inspectors look forward to spotlighting their unique experiences in both cities," Gwendal Poullennec, the international director for Michelin Guide, said in a news release. Poullennec added that Philadelphia and Boston are both "premier destinations for gourmets to experience a rich diversity of cuisine and culinary history." "In recent years, Philadelphia has become as renowned for its chef-driven food scene as it is for the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and its passionate sports fans," Gregg Caren, the president and CEO of the PHLCVB, said. "Our chefs, restaurateurs and hospitality professionals have been steadily building our city into an internationally acclaimed foodie destination." A press conference will be held on Tuesday, May 13, at 10 a.m. at the Barnes Foundation about the inclusion of Philadelphia in the Michelin Guide. Mayor Cherelle Parker and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro are expected to attend. Michelin, the tire company, began awarding stars to fine dining establishments in 1926, years after it started making its guides for travelers, ultimately encouraging motorists to hit the road and buy more of its tires. contributed to this report.
