Academy Sports + Outdoors (often simply Academy Sports) is a leading US retail chain for sporting goods and outdoor gear. Founded in 1938 in Texas, Academy has grown into a national destination for gear and apparel. As of 2025, it operates 300+ stores across 21 states, offering everything from hunting and fishing equipment to camping, hiking, team sports gear, and fitness products. In this guide, we’ll explore the top gear and outdoor essentials available at Academy Sports, share trends and tips for 2025, and cover FAQs like how to find a store nearby and even career/pay information for the curious shopper or job-seeker.
Overview of Academy Sports & Outdoors
Academy Sports + Outdoors is known for its wide selection and value. The company’s assortment focuses on four key categories: Outdoor, Apparel, Sports & Recreation, and Footwear. This means whether you need a new tent, a pair of hiking boots, team sports equipment, or performance athletic wear, you can find it under one roof (or online). Academy sells both national brands (e.g. Nike, Jordan, Carhartt) and private labels, giving shoppers options for quality and price. For example, Academy launched its own R.O.W.™ brand of athletic clothing in 2023, and carries major names like Jordan, Nike, Adidas, and Columbia.
Academy’s mission is “Fun for All,” and the store uses a localized merchandising strategy – meaning each store stocks gear that fits its region (hunting camo in rural areas, surf gear near coastlines, etc.). The retailer also emphasizes value (price-match guarantees, weekly deals) to deliver competitive pricing. In 2025, Academy continues to expand – recently entering new markets like Pennsylvania and Virginia – so more shoppers can visit an Academy Sports store near them. With thousands of products online and in-store, Academy Sports aims to be a one-stop shop for all your outdoor adventures.
Top Outdoor Gear Categories at Academy Sports
Academy Sports + Outdoors carries gear for every outdoor activity. Below are some of the major categories and essentials you can find:
Camping & Hiking Essentials
- Figure: Two tents set up under a starry night sky – an example of camping gear available at Academy Sports + Outdoors. Academy’s camping section offers tents, sleeping bags, airbeds, and campsite cooking equipment. You’ll find backpacking tents (lightweight one- to three-person models), dome tents for family camping, sleeping bags (from summer to subzero), air mattresses and camp pillows, as well as camp furniture and portable stoves.
- In the hiking section, shop for hiking backpacks, trekking poles, hiking shoes and boots, and outdoor clothing (moisture-wicking shirts, rain jackets). Popular brands include Kelty, Coleman, The North Face, and Academy’s in-house gear. For 2025, look for ultralight and sustainable gear; many outdoor enthusiasts now prefer eco-friendly tent fabrics and recycled-material clothing. According to industry trends, camping and hiking grew significantly – the Outdoor Industry Association notes over 2 million new camping and hiking participants in recent years. That means Academy Sports’ camping section is key for modern adventurers.
Fishing & Water Sports Gear
- In Academy’s Fishing department, anglers can find rods, reels, tackle, lures, and line. There are combos and separate rods/reels for freshwater and saltwater fishing, plus fishing clothing (quick-dry shirts, hats, waders). Brand partners like Penn, Shimano, and Rapala appear alongside Academy’s own kayak fishing gear. For water sports, Academy offers kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and accessories. You can stock up on PFDs (life vests), paddles, and even inflatable boats. The boating section has kayaks by Lifetime and Sea Eagle, as well as flotation gear and dry bags for your electronics. If you’re near water, Academy’s gear ensures you’re ready for lake or river adventures in 2025.
Team Sports & Recreation Equipment
- Academy isn’t just outdoors – it’s also big on team and field sports. In the Baseball/Softball section, you’ll find bats, balls, gloves, cleats, and helmets. Soccer fans can pick up cleats, shin guards, goals and balls. Basketballs, jerseys, and hoop nets? Yes, those too. Academy stocks gear for football, basketball, soccer, cheer, and more. Their fan shop carries NFL, NCAA, MLB, and NBA jerseys and caps. During spring and fall seasons, Academy often highlights back-to-school sports deals, so you can gear up teams or school sports programs. For casual backyard fun, there’s also yard games like cornhole, ladder toss, and volleyball nets (often under “Backyard Recreation”).
Fitness & Wellness Equipment
- The Health & Fitness section includes home gym gear (dumbbells, kettlebells, yoga mats, resistance bands), exercise bikes and treadmills on sale, as well as fitness apparel (workout shorts, tops, sports bras) and footwear (running shoes, cross-trainers). In 2025, many customers look for smart fitness gear, like app-connected bikes or wearable trackers. Academy sells brands like Schwinn, Bowflex, and Fitbit alongside performance wear from Nike Dri-FIT and Puma. If you’re creating a home gym or training for a marathon, Academy’s fitness area has what you need.
Outdoor Recreation & Leisure
- Beyond traditional camping and sports, Academy carries other outdoor essentials: Grills & Accessories (charcoal grills, smokers, propane tanks), outdoor power equipment (generators, power tools), and patio gear (coolers, drinkware, umbrellas). For example, their coolers and drinkware section features Stanley, Yeti, and Hydro Flask products – items crucial for day hikes or tailgating. They also sell binoculars, trail cameras, and knives for hunting or wildlife watching.
In summary, Academy Sports + Outdoors covers nearly every corner of the sports and outdoors world. Whether it’s a weekend camping trip or a new sport to try, you can find gear and apparel in one place. Keep in mind, some items (especially firearms and ammo) are only in select stores. But for camping, hiking, fishing, team sports, and fitness, Academy has hundreds to thousands of choices on its shelves and website.
Why Choose Academy Sports + Outdoors?
When shopping for gear, why Academy Sports? There are several reasons:
- One-Stop Convenience: With categories from Camping & Hiking to Sports Equipment, you don’t need to visit multiple specialty stores. Academy is a full-line retailer.
- Value & Deals: Academy is known for competitive pricing and policies. They often run sales and “Big Fun Deals,” and offer a price match guarantee (meaning if you find a lower price elsewhere, Academy matches it). This value proposition – “Quality products at great prices” – is central to their brand.
- Wide Locations: Over 300 stores mean many shoppers find an Academy near them. The chain has expanded recently, making it easier to search “Academy Sports near me” and find a local store. Academy even offers Buy Online, Pick Up in 1 Hour and curbside pickup for local customers.
- Product Range: From big names (Jordan, Nike, Carhartt) to Academy’s own labels, the product variety is huge. They stock current-season gear – for 2025, that includes trendy items like insulated water bottles, portable solar chargers, and performance fabrics.
- Customer Experience: Many shoppers appreciate the “Fun for All” ethos. Stores are family-friendly, and in recent years Academy has invested in store upgrades and tech (like improved mobile apps and online tools). They also run community events (e.g. Camp Academy camping demos) to engage customers and social media communities.
- Local Focus: Each store tailors inventory to local interests. For instance, Southern stores may have more hunting rifles and all-terrain vehicles, while Northern stores emphasize snow sports equipment. This localized strategy helps Academy serve diverse communities.
Overall, if you value choice and savings on sports/outdoor gear, Academy Sports & Outdoors is a solid choice. Their continued growth strategy and high customer ratings on low prices reflect why many outdoor enthusiasts shop there.
2025 Outdoor Gear Trends at Academy Sports
As we look to 2025, several trends are shaping what gear and stores like Academy are emphasizing:
- Growing Participation: Outdoor participation is on the rise. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, activities like hiking, camping, and fishing each saw 2+ million new participants recently. Likewise, more seniors and youth are getting outdoors. This means demand for gear – especially beginner-friendly and family-oriented gear – has increased. Expect Academy to highlight items like entry-level camping kits, youth hiking footwear, and guided outdoor education programs in stores and marketing.
- Inclusivity & New Audiences: Younger generations (Millennials, Gen Z) are driving trends. A study found 67% of young people identify as “outdoorsy,” challenging old notions that only older folks camp or hike. Gen Z and Millennials prioritize sustainability and style, so gear that is eco-friendly or athleisure-style is in demand. Academy stocks sustainable lines (e.g., recycled-fabric jackets) and stylish outdoor clothing that works for trails or city. Expect more products with recycled materials or ethically sourced packaging.
- Social & Digital Buying: Social media is a key influence. Many young buyers discover products on Instagram or TikTok. Academy has started engaging this audience via influencers and interactive content. For shoppers, it means the latest “hot” gear (like a trending hydration pack or the newest trail shoes) can be found at Academy. Also, Academy’s website and app make it easy to share products online or read user reviews. Look for their social campaigns or #CampAcademy events that highlight new gadgets and allow customers to share their experiences.
- Tech-Integrated Gear: The future of outdoor gear is smart. In 2025, gear often includes tech features (smart fabrics, GPS trackers, solar charging). Academy carries items like Bluetooth-enabled headlamps, GPS-enabled trail watches, and high-tech sleeping bags. For example, portable power stations and solar panels for camping have become popular. Fishing gear now includes smart fish-finders, and bikes may come with computer mounts.
- Community & Family Focus: Recommendations from friends and family remain powerful. Academy has capitalized on this by fostering communities (like Scouts and youth sports partnerships). Gear that appeals across generations – e.g., camping kits designed for grandparents and kids – is emphasized. Brands like Coleman and Ozark Trail often market family-size tents and games, which Academy stocks heavily.
By understanding these trends, Academy Sports updates its inventory. The result? For 2025, you’ll find more eco-friendly gear, gender-inclusive sizing, stylish performance apparel, and tech-enabled equipment. Academy’s communications highlight these trends through its promotions, as it aims to be “the destination for all things sports and outdoors”.
Find an Academy Sports Store Near You
Looking for an Academy Sports near you? With 300+ stores nationwide, chances are good there’s one in your region. Academy’s website has a store locator where you can search by city or ZIP code. Many stores offer services like free 1-hour pickup and same-day curbside delivery for online orders.
If you’re unsure, simply Googling “Academy Sports near me” will show locations and hours. New store openings in 2024-2025 include cities like New Orleans and Louisville, reflecting their expansion. Even if you live far from a store, remember Academy’s online shop ships to most states and offers an app for mobile deals. So whether you click or walk in, Academy provides easy access to gear.
Careers at Academy Sports: Pay & Roles
Beyond shopping, some readers ask: “How much does Academy Sports pay?” and “Who is the assistant manager of Academy Sports?” Here’s what we know:
- How Much Does Academy Sports Pay? Salaries at Academy vary by position. For example, according to Glassdoor (Oct 2025), a Retail Sales Associate at Academy earns around $28K-$30K per year, while a Store Director can make $112K annually. This range shows that entry-level positions are near the typical retail wage, and management roles earn in the mid-five figures. Specifically, the Glassdoor data states: “Academy Sports + Outdoors salaries range from $28,208/year for Retail Sales Associate to $112,375/year for Store Director”. An Assistant Store Manager would fall between these, often in the $40K–$60K range depending on experience and location (various job postings and salary sites report mid/high ranges). Commission and bonuses can also apply in some roles. For accurate numbers, check sites like Glassdoor or Indeed for the latest salary info at Academy.
- Assistant Manager Position: Academy’s stores each have their own assistant managers. So, “Who is the assistant manager of Academy Sports?” is not a single person – every store has at least one. For example, the assistant manager at Academy’s Katy, TX store is one person, whereas the store in Florida has another. Academy corporate headquarters staff also include district managers and regional directors, but the term “Assistant Manager” typically refers to a store-level role. No one nationwide “assistant manager” exists for the whole chain. If you need to contact an assistant manager, it’s best to call the specific local store (their number is listed via the store locator).
- Working at Academy: Academy often hires part-time and full-time staff for roles like Cashier, Sales Associate, Stocker, and Management Trainees. They emphasize career development, so Assistant Managers usually receive training (often called “Assistant Manager in Training”) before leading a department or store section. Benefits for full-time staff may include health insurance, 401(k), and employee discounts. Glassdoor reviews average around 2.9/5 for compensation, reflecting mixed employee satisfaction. Overall, the retail environment is fast-paced, but many find Academy’s culture supportive of sports and active lifestyles.
Academy Sports & Outdoors is more than just a name on the door. It stands for a comprehensive sports and outdoors retail experience. Below, we answer some common questions to make sure every visitor – whether shopper or job-seeker – has the info they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Academy Sports & Outdoors” mean?What does “Academy Sports & Outdoors” mean?
It’s the full brand name of the retailer (often written Academy Sports + Outdoors). The “& Outdoors” (or “+ Outdoors”) emphasizes their focus on outdoor recreation gear in addition to indoor sports equipment. You’ll often see the logo as Academy Sports + Outdoors. The terms “academy sports&outdoors” and “academy sports and outdoors” refer to the same company, with slight stylistic differences in writing. All mean the same brand.
Is Academy Sports a sports academy?
No. The term “sports academy” usually refers to a training school or institution for athletes, not a store. Academy Sports + Outdoors is purely a retail chain (sporting goods store). In other words, Academy Sports does not train athletes or run sports programs – it sells gear and equipment. Don’t confuse “sports academy” (training program) with Academy Sports the retailer.
How can I find an Academy Sports store near me?
The easiest way is the store locator on Academy’s website, or typing “Academy Sports near me” into Google. You’ll get addresses and hours for nearby locations. With over 300 stores in 21 states, most major cities in the South, Midwest, and parts of the East have an Academy. The online shopping portal also shows pickup-in-store availability.
How much does Academy Sports pay its employees?
Wages vary by job title and experience. Entry-level roles (Sales Associate/Cashier) start around $14/hour (roughly $28K/year). Management roles pay more – an Operations Manager can earn between $65K–$106K/year, and a Store Director around $112K. These figures come from self-reported Glassdoor data as of 2025. Part-time positions earn hourly wages, often with some commission on sales (especially in hunting/fishing departments). Pay can also depend on region and store performance.
Who is the assistant manager of Academy Sports?
Each Academy store has its own assistant manager. There isn’t one assistant manager for the whole company. So, the person holding that title depends on which store you visit. For example, the Academy Sports in Katy, TX will have a different assistant manager than the one in Greenville, SC. If you need specifics, you’d have to contact the particular store. In general conversation, you can say “the assistant manager at your local Academy Sports store” rather than implying a single person brand-wide.
Does Academy Sports offer any outdoor essentials for 2025?
Yes! In our top gear list above, we highlighted many 2025 essentials: camping tents, hiking boots, performance clothing, and more. In addition, Academy regularly features seasonal outdoor essentials. For instance, in spring they promote fishing tackle and kayaks; in summer, camping and grilling; in fall, hunting and football gear; and in winter, snow sports and fitness gear. Check Academy’s seasonal catalog or website sections like “Storm Essentials” and “Outdoors Sale” for curated lists of must-have items.
What is the affiliate program for Academy Sports?
(Internal link info) Academy has an affiliate program for content creators and sites. You can find details under “Affiliate Program” on their site. This lets bloggers earn commissions by promoting Academy’s products. (This isn’t gear info per se, but good to know for content creators looking to partner with Academy.)
Each of these FAQs is targeted toward common reader queries or voice-search questions. The answers incorporate the main keyword and related terms naturally.
Conclusion
Academy Sports + Outdoors remains a top destination for 2025 gear and outdoor essentials. As a leading sporting goods retailer, Academy offers a vast selection of equipment – from camping tents and fishing rods to fitness machines and team sport gear. With thousands of products online and hundreds of stores nationwide, customers can conveniently find what they need.
We’ve covered key aspects: finding an Academy Sports near me, understanding pay scales (how much does Academy Sports pay), and clarifying roles like assistant manager. We also highlighted important trends: sustainability, social media influence, and participation growth. Academy’s commitment to value (“Fun for All”) and expansion shows they’re listening to these trends More post.
As you plan your next outdoor adventure, consider checking Academy Sports + Outdoors for gear. They have proven reliable for generations of athletes and campers. And if you have any insider tips or questions, feel free to share in the comments below. What’s your must-have item from Academy Sports this year? Let us know, and don’t forget to share this guide with fellow outdoor enthusiasts on social media!