That time Rocky IV took over the PNE's Agrodome

It was 1985 and the Russians had taken over the Agrodome at Vancouver's PNE.

Well, sort of.

The Russians were actually excitedextras from around Metro Vancouvergetting afree lunch and a chance at some prizes in exchange forplaying the partin the fourth edition of theRockyseries.

And indeed, they came by the busload to do so. Many of them were hoping to meet the film's star, SylvesterStallone.

Vancouver appointed its first film commissioner this week, but the city has long been an industry hub. To honour that, we dug into our archives for one of the region's most memorable movie moments.

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Agrodome transformed

Anyone walking into the PNE building on that day in April 1985certainly could have believed they had suddenly entered what was then the Soviet Republic.

The Agrodome was transformed into a Russian arena, complete with Soviet trophy cases, Pepsi signs and soldiers (well, actors playing them).

There, the eponymous lead character was set on avenging the death of Apollo Creed by fighting the Russian boxer who had killed himin the ring Drago, played byDolph Lundgren.

Factoid: Lundgreenactually did real damage to Stallone during the filming of that epic scene.

At a recentevent in England,Stallonerevealedthat a few punches he took to the chest during the fight damaged his heart badly enough that he was flown back to California to spend eight days in hospital.

Was it worth it? Take a look at the final scene and decide for yourself.