Sylvester Stallone Returns to Philadelphia Museum's Steps for City's First “Rocky ”Day: 'Changed My Life'

"Keep punching!" the actor told the crowd gathered around in celebration of Philadelphia's first-ever day in honor of the film

Almost 50 years after Rocky Balboa famously ascended the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Sylvester Stallone is back where it all began.

The 77-year-old actor returned to the iconic site for Philadelphia's first-ever Rocky Day on Sunday, which marked the 48th anniversary of the sports drama's U.S. release in 1976.

Standing on a stage near the 72-stair site where his boxer character made his iconic jog during training, Stallone thanked those involved in the event. "My life changed when I went into that building, after going up these steps about 20 times when I was very, very young," he said.

"I went in there, and that changed my life," he added of the museum itself. "One is physical, the other is emotional and spiritual. You should definitely take your children in there — they won’t be the same when they come out."

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can’t believe you did this," Stallone continued, referring to the key to the city that he was surprised with before his speech.

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Stallone — who was joined by wife Jennifer Flavin Stallone for the event — raved about how "remarkable" it was to witness a Rocky Day.

"I’ve been around the world; I’ve seen a lot of things. I’ve been lucky to see a lot of things, amazing sites — the Pyramids, the Colosseum — but for some reason, these 72 steps inspire me and excite me," he continued. "When you get to the top, you feel inspired, special, hopeful, happy, and most of all, proud of yourself when you get to the top. Think about it: When you get to the top and look out, you did it. You feel good at this moment, really good."

"Because to me, when you’re up there, you feel like you can be the champion of your dreams. It’s a possibility. It’s a sliver of hope," Stallone said. "Life is a fight. It’s a tough fight, so get ready. You’re gonna win some, and you’re gonna lose a lot."

"But the real victory is in never giving up and going the distance for yourself, your loved ones, and standing at the top of these steps you’re reminded that all things are possible," he went on, concluding, "Keep punching!"

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Following the event's speeches, Stallone cut the ribbon for the new Rocky Shop at the Parkway Visitor Center, a kiosk at the base of the steps near the Rocky statue that sells Rocky merchandise, such as T-shirts, sweatshirts and beanies.

Before Stallone's speech, the gathered crowd heard from Kathryn Ott Lovell, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation.

"It’s a privilege to be here in front of these iconic steps, and that statue, which has become so central to our city’s identity and our local brand," she said in part. "Rocky — the fictional character so famously created and portrayed by Sylvester Stallone — has served as an international symbol for the city of Philadelphia since the Academy Award-winning movie debuted 47 years ago."

Lovell went on to say the city is "so grateful to" Stallone "for being here today, for entrusting us with this opportunity, for offering millions of visitors who visit this site the chance to take a piece of Rocky home with them, but most of all, we thank you for giving us Rocky Balboa."

"It’s incalculable the influence that Rocky has had on our city, the millions of visitors it has brought us," she added. "It’s amplified our city around the world, the joy that the film brings to each of us. And most importantly, the way Rocky continues to inspire us to never give up, and to go the distance."

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