Travellers passing through Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) are now greeted by one of the city’s most recognisable icons: a 10‑foot Rocky Balboa statue, newly installed in Terminal A‑West between gates A‑15 and A‑16.
Although the statue was officially unveiled in November, we experienced its presence along with the wider travelling public as the airport’s refreshed terminal spaces open for the winter season.
The bronze sculpture — one of three created by artist A. Thomas Schomberg — stands on a black steel base and brings a dose of cinematic nostalgia to the airport’s international gateway PHL Philadelphia International Airport. Commissioned originally for Rocky III, the statue has long been a symbol of Philadelphia’s grit, resilience, and underdog spirit. Now, for the first time, that energy is embedded directly into the airport experience.
PHL’s Department of Aviation CEO Atif Saeed described the installation as a celebration of the city’s identity, noting that Rocky represents “perseverance, strength, and determination” — qualities the airport hopes will resonate with millions of travellers passing through each year PHL Philadelphia International Airport. The statue is part of the airport’s exhibition programme, designed to bring local culture into the travel journey and create a sense of place from the moment passengers step off the plane.
For business travellers, the new installation offers more than a photo opportunity. It signals PHL’s ongoing investment in passenger experience and its commitment to showcasing Philadelphia’s cultural touchstones in a modern, globally connected environment. With thousands of visitors now able to encounter Rocky both at the airport and at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the city has effectively doubled one of its most beloved landmarks.
The unveiling event — complete with a Rocky look‑alike contest judged by local figures including the president of the Philadelphia Visitor Centre Corporation — underscored the statue’s enduring popularity and its role in the city’s cultural narrative PHL Philadelphia International Airport. As sculptor Schomberg put it, “There’s a little bit of Rocky in all of us,” a sentiment that resonates strongly with Philadelphia’s business community and its international visitors.
For travellers arriving in the city for meetings, conferences, or onward connections, the statue offers an immediate, unmistakable welcome: a reminder that Philadelphia is a place where ambition meets resilience — and where even a fictional boxer can become a global symbol of determination.