
Academy Sports and Outdoors: Locations, Products, Credit Card
If you’ve ever driven through the South and spotted a bright red storefront packed with everything from fishing rods to running shoes, you’ve probably passed an Academy Sports + Outdoors. With more than 300 locations across 18 states, this family-founded retailer has quietly become a go‑to for hunters, campers, and weekend athletes alike. Whether you’re looking for a nearby store, curious about online ordering, or wondering if the co‑branded credit card is worth it, this guide lays out the facts that actually matter.
Number of stores: 301 (Academy Corporate) ·
Founded: 1938 ·
Headquarters: Katy, Texas ·
Annual revenue (2020): $5.7 billion ·
Employees: 15,000+ ·
Parent company: Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR)
Quick snapshot
- Find the nearest store using Academy.com’s location tool (Academy Store Locator)
- View hours, services, and contact info for each location (Academy Corporate)
- Mobile app also shows nearby stores with turn‑by‑turn directions (Academy Store Locator)
- Browse thousands of products on Academy.com (Academy.com)
- Delivery, free in‑store pickup, and curbside pickup available (Academy Help – Shipping)
- Academy app supports ordering and exclusive offers (PR Newswire)
- Two versions: store‑only myAcademy Rewards Card and myAcademy Rewards Mastercard (Academy Credit Card)
- 5% off every purchase at Academy, plus 2% rewards on everyday spending outside Academy (PR Newswire)
- Issued by Bread Financial; not available to California residents (Bread Financial Newsroom)
- Hunting, fishing, camping, team sports, fitness, apparel, footwear, grills, and outdoor living (Academy.com)
- Top brands: Nike, Under Armour, Columbia, The North Face (Wikipedia)
- Local store inventory varies; online catalog is the most comprehensive (Academy Help – Inventory)
The seven facts below give the big picture of who Academy Sports + Outdoors is today.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Katy, Texas |
| Founded | 1938 |
| Number of stores | 301 (as of March 2025) – Academy Corporate |
| Parent company | Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) |
| Annual revenue (2020) | $5.7 billion |
| Employees | 15,000+ |
| Slogan | “Let’s have some fun out there.” |
The pattern: Academy started as a single store in San Antonio and now runs a $5.7 billion operation with three distribution centers, yet its footprint remains tightly focused on the Southern and Midwestern states.
Where can I find Academy Sports and Outdoors near me?
How to use the store locator on Academy.com
- Visit Academy.com and click the “Store Locator” link at the top of the page (Academy Store Locator)
- Enter your ZIP code, city, or state – results show stores ranked by distance
- Each listing includes address, phone number, store hours, and available services (curbside pickup, hunting/fishing licenses, etc.)
- The locator also shows whether the store has a firearms counter or a fishing license counter
What information does the store locator provide?
- Street address, phone, and live directions link
- Store hours (often 9 am – 9 pm Monday–Saturday, 10 am – 7 pm Sunday)
- Services: in‑store pickup, curbside pickup, hunting/fishing licenses, firearms background checks
- Example: the Dallas store at 6375 E. Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75231 (Academy Dallas Store)
The implication: For shoppers who want a quick trip, the store locator is the fastest route – but inventory isn’t shown online, so a phone call may be needed for specific gear like a size‑kayak or a particular rifle model.
What are the locations of Academy Sports and Outdoors?
Which states have the most Academy Sports stores?
- Texas leads by a wide margin, with roughly 55 stores (Academy Corporate – Locations)
- Other high‑concentration states: Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Oklahoma
- Midwestern presence includes Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky
- Academy has stores in 18 states total: TX, LA, MS, AL, FL, GA, SC, NC, TN, AR, OK, MO, KS, KY, VA, WV, IN, OH, PA, MD, DE, NJ
Are there Academy Sports stores in California?
- No – the company does not operate any stores in California or on the West Coast (Academy Corporate)
- The westernmost stores are in Texas and Oklahoma
- Expansion plans have not been announced for the West Coast
Academy deliberately clusters in the South and lower Midwest, a strategy that keeps distribution costs low and tailors inventory to regional demand (hunting, fishing, football culture) – but it leaves shoppers in California, Oregon, and Washington without a physical store.
Can I shop online at Academy Sports and Outdoors?
What are the online shopping options (delivery, curbside, in‑store pickup)?
- Home delivery: free shipping on orders over $25 (or any amount for myAcademy Rewards credit cardholders). Standard delivery takes 5–7 business days (Academy Help – Shipping)
- Free in‑store pickup: order online and pick up at your chosen store – usually ready within 2 hours (Academy Help – In‑Store Pickup)
- Curbside pickup: available at most stores – pull into a designated spot and a team member brings your order to your car
- Academy app: available on iOS and Android – supports ordering, mobile payments, and exclusive app‑only deals (PR Newswire)
How do I create an Academy.com account?
- Go to Academy.com and click “Sign In” → “Create Account”
- Enter your email, create a password, and fill in basic personal info
- Once logged in, you can save payment methods, track orders, and manage your myAcademy Rewards
- Account creation is free and required for online purchases
While Academy’s online catalog is broad, stock availability is shown only for the nearest store – you won’t see nationwide inventory levels. For rare or high‑demand items (like a specific tent model during peak camping season), ordering early is wise.
Academy’s cross‑channel strategy – buy online, pick up in store or get curbside – eliminates shipping wait for shoppers who live near a store. But for rural or remote customers without a nearby Academy, the e‑commerce experience is mostly standard home delivery with no brick‑and‑mortar backup.
What are the benefits of the Academy Sports and Outdoors credit card?
How do I apply for the Academy Sports credit card?
- You can apply online at Academy.com/credit or in any Academy store (Academy Credit Card Page)
- Two card options: the myAcademy Rewards Credit Card (store‑only) and the myAcademy Rewards Mastercard (usable anywhere Mastercard is accepted)
- Application requires your Social Security number, income, and address – standard credit check applies
- The card is issued by Bread Financial (Bread Financial Newsroom)
- California residents cannot apply – the card is not available in that state (Bread Financial Newsroom)
What are the interest rates and fees?
- Academy does not publicly list current APR or annual fees on its card page – these are provided at application
- No annual fee is disclosed in promotional materials (likely $0, but always confirm at checkout)
- Late payment and returned payment fees apply according to the cardmember agreement
- Interest rates are variable and tied to the prime rate – expect a typical APR range of 25–30% for store cards
- 5% off every purchase at Academy stores and online when using the myAcademy Rewards Card (Academy Help – Credit Card)
- 2% rewards on everyday purchases outside Academy with the Mastercard version (PR Newswire)
- Rewards are deposited directly into the myAcademy Rewards account and can be used on future purchases
- Free shipping at Academy with no minimum (for cardholders)
- Sign‑up bonus: $30 off a purchase of $30+ on the same day of account opening; Mastercard holders get an extra $50 when they spend $500 outside Academy within the first 90 days (PR Newswire)
The 5% daily discount is solid for frequent Academy shoppers, but the interest rate (likely north of 25%) can easily erase that saving if you carry a balance. The Mastercard version adds versatility, but only the store‑only card is available to a broader audience (except California).
California residents are completely locked out of the Academy credit card program. Bread Financial explicitly states the card is not available in CA. If you live in California, your only Academy shopping option is debit/credit or gift cards – no rewards program.
What products are offered at Academy Sports and Outdoors stores?
What hunting and fishing equipment does Academy sell?
- Firearms (rifles, shotguns, handguns) from brands like Remington, Mossberg, Savage, Sig Sauer
- Hunting gear: tree stands, game cameras, camouflage clothing, scopes, ammunition (Academy Hunting)
- Fishing rods, reels, tackle, bait (live and artificial), and sonar devices – brands include Penn, Abu Garcia, Shimano
- Freshwater, saltwater, and ice fishing gear available depending on region
What camping and outdoor gear is available?
- Camping: tents, sleeping bags, stoves, coolers, lanterns, and camping furniture
- Brands: Coleman, The North Face, Kelty, Yeti, Igloo
- Outdoor living: grills, smokers, patio furniture, fire pits, and outdoor cooking accessories (Academy Outdoor Living)
What apparel and footwear does Academy carry?
- Athletic footwear: Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, New Balance, Brooks, and more
- Team sports apparel: jerseys, shorts, cleats for football, soccer, baseball, basketball (Academy Team Sports)
- Outdoor apparel: Columbia, The North Face, Carhartt, Wrangler, and Academy’s own brand (Magellan Outdoors)
- Men’s, women’s, and kids’ sections with everything from workout gear to casual wear
Academy stocks a broad but curated mix – you won’t get the deep selection of a specialty fishing shop, but you’ll find the mid‑range gear that meets most family needs. The real strength is the combo: a hunter can buy a rifle, camo jacket, cooler, and football cleats in one stop.
For Southern and Midwestern families who hunt, fish, camp, or play team sports, Academy is often a one‑stop shop that competes head‑to‑head with Dick’s Sporting Goods and Bass Pro Shops. Its advantage is price – Academy generally matches or beats competitors on comparable items, especially store‑brand Magellan gear.
Interested in getting started with a paddle sport? Check out our guide: How to Play Pickleball – a great way to enjoy the outdoors with friends and a perfect complement to Academy’s pickleball equipment.
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For customers who already have an account, managing payments and rewards is straightforward through the Academy credit card login portal.
Frequently asked questions
Does Academy Sports offer price matching?
Academy does not have a published price‑match policy as of 2025. The company focuses on everyday low prices rather than matching competitors. Customers can request a price adjustment up to 14 days after purchase if the item goes on sale at Academy itself, but not against other retailers (Academy Help – Returns).
Can I return items bought online to the store?
Yes – Academy accepts returns of online orders at any physical store within 30 days of purchase (or 90 days for myAcademy Rewards members). The item must be in new condition with original packaging. Some exclusions apply (firearms, ammunition, electronics) – check the return policy online (Academy Help – Returns).
How do I contact Academy Sports customer service?
You can call 1‑888‑922‑2336 (Monday–Saturday 8 am–9 pm CT, Sunday 10 am–7 pm CT) or use the online chat at Academy.com. For email inquiries, use the “Contact Us” form on the Help page (Academy Help – Contact Us).
What is the Academy Sports credit card interest rate?
Academy does not publicly post the current APR. According to credit card comparison sites, the typical variable APR for store‑only cards is 25.99%–29.99% (as of early 2025). The exact rate is disclosed during the application process. Late fees may apply (Bankrate – Academy Card Review).
Does Academy Sports sell firearms?
Yes – Academy sells rifles, shotguns, handguns, and ammunition at many stores. Firearm purchases require a valid state ID, a completed ATF 4473 form, and a federal background check. Some states have additional waiting periods or permit requirements. Not all stores may carry firearms (Academy Hunting).
What types of apparel does Academy Sports sell?
Academy offers men’s, women’s, and kids’ apparel including activewear (Nike, Under Armour, Adidas), outdoor clothing (Columbia, The North Face, Carhartt), team sports jerseys and shorts, work boots, and casual footwear. The in‑house brand Magellan Outdoors covers budget‑friendly hunting and fishing apparel (Academy Apparel).
Is there an Academy Sports app?
Yes – the Academy app is available for iOS and Android. It allows you to browse products, check store inventory, place orders, access your myAcademy Rewards account, and receive exclusive app‑only deals. You can also scan barcodes in stores to see product reviews (PR Newswire).
How do I change or cancel my online order?
You can modify or cancel an order within 30 minutes of placing it by contacting customer service. After that, the order is processed and can only be canceled if it hasn’t shipped. For in‑store pickup orders, you can cancel online using the order tracker, or simply not pick up – the order will be canceled and refunded automatically after 5 days (Academy Help – Orders).
“Academy Sports + Outdoors said it has 301 stores in the South, Southeast, and Midwest as of March 7, 2025.”
– Academy Sports + Outdoors Investor Relations, Academy Corporate – Locations
“The corporate campus is located in Katy, Texas, with three distribution centers in Katy, Texas; Jeffersonville, Georgia; and Cookeville, Tennessee.”
– Wikipedia, Academy Sports + Outdoors
“The refreshed myAcademy Rewards program includes 5% off every day at Academy and 2% in rewards on everyday purchases outside Academy.”
– PR Newswire, Academy Press Release
“Bread Financial’s partnership with Academy Sports + Outdoors offers exclusive savings, personalized rewards, and seamless access across stores, online, and app platforms – though it is not available to California residents.”
– Bread Financial Newsroom, Bread Financial
Academy Sports + Outdoors sits in a comfortable middle ground: big enough to compete national, but regional enough to know its customer. For the Southern and Midwestern shopper who lives within 30 minutes of a store, the combination of a huge hunting/fishing section, decent apparel, and a rewards card that shaves 5% off every trip makes it a strong bet. For the online‑only buyer or the California resident, the value proposition is thinner – no price match, no credit card, and no West Coast stores. The choice for the local shopper is clear: if you buy outdoor gear regularly, the myAcademy Rewards card (store version) is worth picking up – provided you pay the balance in full each month. For everyone else, Academy’s everyday prices are competitive enough without it.
Looking for more sports and outdoor content? Check out our Penn State Nittany Lions Football Guide for team gear and fan essentials – many available at Academy.