William Penn statue and the 'Curse of Billy Penn' (Philadelphia City Hall)

The bronze statue of William Penn atop Philadelphia City Hall has been referenced in local sports memes about the so‑called 'Curse of Billy Penn,' a popularly discussed idea linking the city's lack of major sports championships for decades to the statue's height dominance. When modern skyscrapers surpassed City Hall in 2007, a small William Penn figurine was placed atop the Comcast Center in 2007 and again in later years, actions that were widely shared and memed online. The existence and effect of the 'curse' are debated and often presented humorously in sports-related internet content.