Welcome, fellow outdoor enthusiasts and sports lovers! Ever wondered about the sheer scale of Academy Sports + Outdoors, where you can find everything from camping gear to athletic apparel? You're in the right place! Let's embark on a journey to uncover just how many Academy Sports stores there are and where you can find them.
Step 1: Discovering the Current Store Count ️
Have you ever been in an Academy Sports store and marveled at the vast selection? Well, Academy Sports + Outdoors has been on a significant expansion trajectory, growing its presence across the United States. As of May 3, 2025, Academy Sports + Outdoors has 303 stores! This marks a significant milestone, as the company recently surpassed the 300-store mark in Q1 2025.
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| How Many Academy Sports Stores |
A Glimpse into Recent Growth:
In 2023, Academy opened 14 new stores across 6 different states.
In 2024, their expansion efforts resulted in 16 new stores across 10 different states, including their first locations in Ohio.
So far in 2025, Academy has opened 7 new stores in 6 states, including their first stores in Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Step 2: Unpacking Their Geographic Footprint
Academy Sports + Outdoors is primarily concentrated in the Southern, Southeastern, and Midwestern United States. Their mission is to provide "Fun for All," and they achieve this by having a localized merchandising strategy that resonates with a broad range of consumers.
States Where You Can Find Academy Sports Stores:
Academy Sports + Outdoors has expanded its footprint to 21 states. Here's a list of the states where you can typically find an Academy Sports + Outdoors store:
Alabama
Arkansas
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland (New in 2025!)
Mississippi
Missouri
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania (New in 2025!)
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
West Virginia
Step 3: Understanding Their Expansion Strategy
Academy Sports + Outdoors is not slowing down. They have a clear vision for continued growth, which involves opening more stores and enhancing the overall customer experience.
QuickTip: Revisit this post tomorrow — it’ll feel new.
Future Expansion Plans:
The company plans to open a total of 20-25 new stores in its fiscal year 2025 (ending January 31, 2026). This aggressive expansion reinforces their commitment to making sports and outdoor recreation more accessible to communities across the country.
Why the Focus on New Stores?
Reaching New Markets: Expanding into new states like Pennsylvania and Maryland allows Academy to tap into previously unserved customer bases.
Convenience for Customers: More stores mean more convenient access for shoppers to find the gear and apparel they need for their active lifestyles.
Job Creation: Each new store opening creates approximately 300 new jobs in the local communities, contributing to economic growth.
Step 4: Exploring What Academy Sports Offers ⚽️
Beyond the numbers, it's important to understand what makes Academy Sports + Outdoors a go-to destination for many. They offer a comprehensive selection of products for various activities and hobbies.
Key Product Categories:
Outdoor: Fishing, hunting, camping, and outdoor cooking equipment.
Apparel: A wide range of clothing for men, women, and children, suitable for various sports and casual wear.
Sports & Recreation: Gear and equipment for team sports (baseball, football, soccer, basketball), individual sports (tennis, golf), fitness, and backyard fun.
Footwear: Athletic shoes, hiking boots, casual shoes, and more.
Private Label Brands: Academy also boasts its own popular private label brands like Magellan Outdoors and BCG, offering quality products at competitive prices.
In-Store Services:
Many Academy Sports stores offer convenient services to enhance your shopping experience, such as:
Grill and bike assembly
Scope mounting and bore sighting
Line winding/spooling
Propane exchange
Hunting and fishing licenses (available for purchase)
Tip: Reread tricky sentences for clarity.
Step 5: Finding a Store Near You ️♀️
Now that you know how many stores there are and where they are located, the next logical step is to find the closest one to you!
Using the Store Locator:
The easiest way to find an Academy Sports + Outdoors store is to visit their official website and use their store locator tool. You can search by:
City, State/Province
Zip Code
This tool will provide you with the exact address, contact information, and operating hours for each store.
Other Ways to Shop:
Even if there isn't a physical store nearby, you can still access Academy's extensive product range:
Online Shopping: Their website,
www.academy.com Curbside Pickup / In-Store Pickup: Many items are available for free 1-hour pickup, either curbside or in-store, making online shopping even more convenient.
Same-Day Delivery: For some locations, same-day delivery powered by DoorDash is available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Find the Nearest Academy Sports Store?
You can find the nearest Academy Sports store by visiting the official Academy Sports + Outdoors website and using their store locator tool, where you can search by city, state, or zip code.
QuickTip: Return to sections that felt unclear.
How to Check Academy Sports Store Hours?
Store hours for any Academy Sports location can be found on their official website's store locator page once you've selected a specific store.
How to Get Directions to an Academy Sports Store?
Once you've found a store using the online store locator, there will typically be a link or option to get directions directly through mapping services like Google Maps.
How to Find Out What Products a Specific Academy Sports Store Carries?
While the website shows their full product range, it's best to call the specific store directly or use their "check store availability" feature on product pages online to confirm in-stock items.
How to Utilize In-Store Services at Academy Sports?
Many services like grill assembly, bike assembly, and line winding are offered for free. Simply bring your purchased item or equipment to the customer service desk in the store to inquire.
How to Purchase Hunting and Fishing Licenses at Academy Sports?
Tip: Read mindfully — avoid distractions.
Hunting and fishing licenses are available for purchase directly in most Academy Sports + Outdoors stores at the customer service counter.
How to Order Online for In-Store Pickup at Academy Sports?
During the online checkout process on
How to Apply for a Job at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
You can find career opportunities and apply for positions directly on the "Careers" section of the Academy Sports + Outdoors corporate website.
How to Return or Exchange Items at Academy Sports?
You can return or exchange items at any Academy Sports + Outdoors store with your receipt. Check their website for the detailed return policy.
How to Stay Updated on New Academy Sports Store Openings?
You can typically stay updated on new store openings by following Academy Sports + Outdoors on their official social media channels, signing up for their email newsletter, or checking the "Investor Relations" section of their corporate website for press releases.
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