As of March 7, 2025, Academy Sports + Outdoors has 301 stores in the United States, spanning 21 states across the South, Southeast, and Midwest regions.
How Many Academy Sports + Outdoors Stores Are There in the US? A Detailed Guide!
Hey there, fellow sports enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers! Ever found yourself wondering just how many Academy Sports + Outdoors stores are out there, ready to equip you for your next big game, camping trip, or fishing expedition? You're not alone! It's a common question, especially with their consistent growth and popularity. Let's embark on a journey to uncover the impressive footprint of Academy Sports + Outdoors across the United States.
Step 1: Discovering the Current Store Count – The Big Number!
So, you're eager to know the exact figure, right? As of their latest updates, specifically March 7, 2025, Academy Sports + Outdoors proudly operates 301 stores across the United States.
Isn't that an impressive number? It shows just how much they've expanded from their humble beginnings! This figure highlights their significant presence as a leading full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer.
Step 2: Understanding Their Geographic Reach – Where Can You Find Them? ️
Academy Sports + Outdoors isn't just about a large number of stores; it's about where those stores are located. They have strategically expanded their presence to serve a vast customer base.
Sub-heading: The States They Call Home
Academy Sports + Outdoors stores are primarily concentrated in the South, Southeast, and Midwest regions of the U.S. As of March 2025, they have a footprint in 21 states. This expansion has been a steady process, with new states being added to their network over the years. For instance, Pennsylvania and Maryland were among the latest additions in early 2025, marking significant milestones for the company by surpassing 300 stores.
Sub-heading: Recent Growth and Expansion
Academy Sports + Outdoors has been on a consistent growth trajectory.
In 2023, they opened 14 new stores across 6 different states.
In 2024, their expansion efforts led to the opening of 16 new stores across 10 different states, including their first locations in Ohio.
Looking ahead, Academy plans to open 20-25 new stores in its 2025 fiscal year, further solidifying its nationwide presence.
This continuous expansion demonstrates their commitment to bringing a wide assortment of quality sporting goods and outdoor gear to more communities across the country.
Step 3: A Glimpse into Academy's History and Mission
To truly appreciate their current size, it's worth understanding where Academy Sports + Outdoors came from.
Sub-heading: From Humble Beginnings to Retail Giant
Academy Sports + Outdoors was originally founded in 1938 as a family business in Texas. What started as a small tire shop in San Antonio eventually evolved into the comprehensive sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer we know today. Their journey from a local Texas business to a chain of over 300 stores is a testament to their adaptability and consistent customer focus.
Sub-heading: Their Core Mission
Academy's mission is simple yet powerful: to provide "Fun for All." They achieve this by offering a localized merchandising strategy and a value proposition that resonates with a broad range of consumers. Their product assortment focuses on key categories like outdoor gear, apparel, sports & recreation equipment, and footwear, featuring both leading national brands and their own portfolio of private label brands like Magellan Outdoors and BCG.
Step 4: How to Find Your Nearest Academy Sports + Outdoors Store
Now that you know how many there are, you might be wondering how to locate one near you. It's super easy!
Sub-heading: Utilizing the Online Store Locator
The quickest and most efficient way to find an Academy Sports + Outdoors store is by using their official website's store locator.
Visit the Academy Sports + Outdoors Website: Go to
academy.com Locate the Store Locator: Look for a "Store Locator" link, often found in the website's header or footer.
Enter Your Location: You'll typically be prompted to enter your city, state, or ZIP code. Some locators also have a "geolocate" feature that uses your device's location.
Browse Results: The website will then display a list of nearby stores, often accompanied by a map. You'll usually see details like store hours, address, and phone number.
Sub-heading: Mobile Apps and Navigation Apps
Many mobile navigation apps (like Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze) can also help you find the nearest Academy Sports + Outdoors store. Simply type "Academy Sports + Outdoors" into the search bar, and it will show you locations near you.
Step 5: What to Expect at an Academy Sports + Outdoors Store ️
When you step into an Academy Sports + Outdoors store, you're not just entering a retail space; you're entering a hub for all things sports and outdoors.
Sub-heading: A Diverse Product Assortment ️
You can expect to find a wide variety of products catering to numerous interests:
Sports Equipment: From team sports like basketball, football, and soccer to individual pursuits like tennis and golf.
Outdoor Gear: Extensive selections for camping, hiking, hunting, and fishing, including firearms (where permitted), ammunition, and fishing rods.
Apparel and Footwear: A vast array of athletic wear, casual clothing, and footwear for men, women, and children from popular brands.
Recreation and Leisure: Items for backyard fun, fitness equipment, and various recreational activities.
Outdoor Cooking: Grills, smokers, and accessories for your next BBQ or outdoor gathering.
Sub-heading: Services and Offerings ️
Beyond just products, many Academy stores offer services such as:
Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Conveniently purchase required licenses.
Assembly Services: For items like bikes or grills.
Propane Exchange: For your outdoor cooking needs.
In-store pickup: Order online and pick up at your local store, often within an hour.
Curbside pickup: A convenient option for quick and easy pickups.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Find the Closest Academy Sports + Outdoors Store?
Use the official Academy Sports + Outdoors website's store locator or a mobile navigation app like Google Maps by searching "Academy Sports + Outdoors near me."
How to Check Academy Sports + Outdoors Store Hours?
Store hours are typically listed on the individual store's page within the Academy Sports + Outdoors website's store locator, or you can call the specific store directly.
How to Apply for a Job at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Visit the "Careers" section on the Academy Sports + Outdoors corporate website, where you can browse open positions and submit an application online.
How to Return an Item to Academy Sports + Outdoors?
You can return items in-store with proof of purchase, or follow the instructions on their website for mail-in returns; check their return policy for specific details and timelines.
How to Get a Hunting or Fishing License at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Many Academy Sports + Outdoors locations offer hunting and fishing license services directly in-store; simply ask a sales associate for assistance.
How to Use Academy Sports + Outdoors Curbside Pickup?
Place your order online and select "Curbside Pickup" as your delivery method, then follow the instructions in your confirmation email for when your order is ready for pickup.
How to Find Sales and Deals at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Check their weekly ad, browse the "Deals" or "Sale" sections on their website, and sign up for their email list to receive promotional offers.
How to Buy Firearms at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Firearm purchases require a background check and adherence to all federal, state, and local laws; visit the firearms counter in-store for assistance and to complete the necessary paperwork.
How to Order Online from Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Browse their website, add desired items to your cart, and proceed to checkout, where you can choose shipping or in-store/curbside pickup options.
How to Contact Academy Sports + Outdoors Customer Service?
You can typically find their customer service contact information (phone number, email, or live chat) on the "Contact Us" or "Customer Service" page of their website.
