New Academy Sports + Outdoors now open in Gardendale

Popular sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer Academy Sports + Outdoors officially opened a new location in Gardendale this week. Located off Odum Road off I-65, the 55,000-square-foot store has brought approximately 60 new jobs to the community and will be hosting a three-day grand opening celebration this weekend with deals, free gift cards, interactive demonstrations and even an appearance from Santa himself—just don’t tell Buddy the Elf.

Gardendale lands new Academy Sports + Outdoors

A little over a year ago, Gardendale Mayor Stan Hogeland announced on social media that sporting goods giant Academy Sports + Outdoors had selected the growing city in northern Jefferson County for a new store. Located at 650 Gayle Street near Exit 271 on I-65, the new Academy Sports + Outdoors is the retailer’s fourth location in the Birmingham metro—and its first along I-65 in Jefferson County.

Founded in Texas in 1938, Academy Sports + Outdoors operates more than 300 stores in 21 U.S. states and carries a wide array of sporting goods and outdoor recreation equipment, such as:

• Hunting, fishing and camping equipment
• Athetic gear and sports equipment
• Patio sets, barbecue grills and outdoor furniture
• Name-brand outdoor wear and sporting brands

What to expect during Academy Sports + Outdoors’ opening weekend

While the new Academy Sports + Outdoors “soft opened” earlier this week, the retailer has planned a three-day grand opening bash to celebrate the opening. Starting Friday, November 6, the grand opening celebration will include:

• Free gift cards Friday through Sunday for the first 150 customers (18 years or older)
• Interactive demonstrations by brands sold at Academy Sports + Outdoors
• Deals like 25% off Magellan Outdoors apparel, 25% off all shoes + socks and 25% off rods, reels & combos

As an added bonus, Santa himself will be making a special pre-Thanksgiving appearance on Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8 from 10AM to 2PM.

• What: Academy Sports + Outdoors Gardendale Grand Opening
• When: Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 8 | 8AM to 10PM (Friday + Saturday), 9AM to 9PM (Sunday)
• Where: 650 Gayle Street, Gardendale, AL 3507

Planning to check out the new Academy Sports + Outdoors in Gardendale? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!