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Gear up with top-quality sporting goods, fitness equipment, and outdoor apparel — for every athlete at every level.
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We’re inspired by the spirit of adventure and everyday athletes — just like you. Whether gearing up for your next big game or embracing an active lifestyle, we bring you the same passion and reliability as the industry’s best, with a more personal touch.
- Curated selection of 5,000+ sporting goods and fitness essentials
- Performance gear for beginners through professional athletes
- Expert tips, guides and community support to fuel your journey
“This store feels so much more personal than the big chains. The gear recommendations were spot-on, quality exceeded expectations, and delivery was lightning fast. My new go-to for all sports gear.”
“Browsing to checkout was seamless. The prices are fair and selection rivals the biggest names. Customer support actually listens and solves issues. Highly recommend for anyone into sports or outdoor activities.”
“As a basketball coach, I need to trust my gear supplier. Academy Sports always delivers — fast shipping, authentic products, and a team that understands sports. The Nike Freak review on their blog is excellent too.”
At a Glance
Complete Quick-Reference Table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Brand Name | Academy Sports + Outdoors |
| Founded | 1938 |
| Headquarters | Katy, Texas, USA |
| Total Stores | 300+ across 20 states |
| Ownership | KKR & Co. (private equity) |
| Stock Ticker | ASO (NASDAQ) |
| General Store Hours | Mon–Sat 9 AM – 9 PM, Sun 10 AM – 8 PM |
| Return Window | 60 days standard |
| Military Discount | 10% with valid ID |
| Price Match | Yes — qualifying competitors |
| Firearms Sold | Yes — federally licensed dealers |
| Credit Card Issuer | Comenity Bank |
| Dogs Allowed | Policy varies by location |
| Apple Pay Accepted | Yes |
| Promo Codes Available | Yes — app, email, and online |
What Is Academy Sports and Outdoors?
Academy Sports + Outdoors is a full-service sporting goods and outdoor retailer based in Katy, Texas. The company started in 1938 as a tire shop and evolved into one of the largest sports retailers in the United States. Today, Academy Sports and Outdoors operates over 300 stores across more than 20 states, primarily in the South and Southeast.
The brand carries everything from athletic apparel and footwear to hunting gear, firearms, fitness equipment, and camping supplies. Whether you’re outfitting a youth baseball team or preparing for deer season, this is a one-stop destination for serious and casual outdoor enthusiasts alike.
What Time Does Academy Sports Open and Close?
Knowing Academy Sports hours before heading out saves you a wasted trip. Standard store hours across most locations are:
- Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Academy Sports Locations Near Me
Academy Sports and Outdoors operates in over 20 states. Here are some of the commonly searched locations:
| City | State | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson | TN | Full sporting goods + firearms section |
| Greenville | NC | Carries full outdoor and camping inventory |
| Tupelo | MS | Regional store with local pickup options |
| Anderson | SC | Active hunting and fishing section |
| Columbia | MO | Full store near University of Missouri area |
| Wilmington | NC | Coastal-area outdoor gear available |
| Athens | GA | UGA-area store with team merchandise |
| Albany | GA | Full store with standard Academy departments |
Does Academy Sports Sell Guns?
Yes — Academy Sports sells guns. The company is one of the largest licensed firearms retailers in the country. It carries:
- Handguns (pistols, revolvers)
- Rifles (bolt-action, semi-automatic)
- Shotguns (pump-action, semi-automatic)
- Ammunition in a wide range of calibers
- Firearm accessories (scopes, holsters, cleaning kits, safes)
Every firearm purchase at Academy Sports goes through the federally required background check via the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The process follows all local, state, and federal laws. Staff in the firearms department are trained to walk customers through safe handling and legal purchasing requirements.
Academy Sports Credit Card: Login, Benefits, and How It Works
The Academy Sports credit card is issued through Comenity Bank and branded as the Academy Sports + Outdoors credit card (also available as a Visa version for use outside Academy stores).
Credit Card Benefits
- 5% back in rewards on Academy purchases
- No annual fee
- Special financing offers during promotional periods
- Early access to Academy Sports promo codes and sales events
- Dedicated cardholder customer service line
Academy Sports Credit Card Login
To access your account:
- Visit d.comenity.net/ac/academysports
- Enter your username and password
- Manage payments, view statements, or update personal info
You can also call the number on the back of your card for phone-based account access. If you forget your login, the website provides a simple recovery process using your account email.
Academy Sports Promo Codes and How to Save More
Everyone wants a deal — and Academy Sports promo codes make that possible. Here’s where to find them:
- Academy App: The mobile app regularly surfaces exclusive discounts, including 20% off select categories
- Email Newsletter: Signing up gives you first access to sales and an Academy Sports promo code 20% off on selected seasonal items
- Weekly Ad: Available at academy.com and in stores every week
- Clearance Section: Markdowns of 25–70% on previous-season inventory
- Academy Sports Credit Card: Cardholders receive bonus promotional offers
- Coupon Aggregator Sites: Sites like RetailMeNot and Honey often list active academy sports promo codes
How to apply a promo code:
- Add items to your cart on academy.com
- Proceed to checkout
- Enter the promo code in the “Coupon/Promo Code” field
- Click “Apply” — the discount reflects immediately
Does Academy Sports Offer a Military Discount?
Yes — Academy Sports has a military discount. Active duty members, veterans, and military spouses can receive 10% off qualifying purchases.
How to claim the Academy Sports military discount:
- Present a valid military ID or CAC card in-store
- Use ID.me verification at checkout online
- The discount applies to most regular-priced items (exclusions may apply on already-discounted merchandise)
This discount covers apparel, footwear, camping gear, and sporting equipment. It does not typically apply to firearms, ammunition, or gift cards.
What Is Academy Sports Return Policy?
The Academy Sports return policy allows customers to return most items within 60 days of purchase. Here’s how it works:
Return Rules at a Glance
| Condition | Detail |
|---|---|
| Standard Return Window | 60 days with receipt |
| Without a Receipt | Store credit at current price |
| Firearms | Cannot be returned once transferred |
| Ammunition | No returns or exchanges |
| Opened Electronics | May require exchange, not refund |
| Online Orders | Returnable in-store or by mail |
What to bring for a return:
- Original receipt or order confirmation email
- Original packaging when possible
- Valid photo ID (required for returns without a receipt)
Refunds go back to the original payment method. Cash purchases receive cash back. Credit card purchases are refunded to the same card.
Does Academy Sports Price Match?
Yes — Academy Sports does price match under specific conditions. The price match policy covers:
- Items sold by qualifying brick-and-mortar competitors (like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s)
- Items must be identical — same brand, model, size, and color
- The competitor must have the item currently in stock
- Online prices from the same qualifying retailers may also qualify
How to request a price match:
- Bring proof of the lower price (printed ad, screenshot, or pulled up on your phone)
- Show it to a store associate or customer service desk
- They verify the item and competitor, then apply the match
Academy Sports does not price match marketplace sellers like Amazon third-party listings or auction sites.
Does Academy Sports Take Apple Pay?
Yes — Academy Sports accepts Apple Pay at checkout in physical stores. The payment method works at any NFC-enabled terminal in the store.
Other accepted payment methods at Academy Sports include:
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
- Academy Sports credit card
- Debit cards (with PIN or signature)
- Cash
- Academy Sports gift cards
- Google Pay (at NFC-enabled terminals)
- PayPal (online only)
Online orders at academy.com support PayPal, credit/debit cards, and the Academy Sports credit card. Apple Pay is not yet available for online checkout on the website as of this writing.
Are Dogs Allowed in Academy Sports?
This depends entirely on the individual store location. Academy Sports + Outdoors does not have a company-wide pet policy that either universally allows or bans dogs.
What this means practically:
- Some stores welcome well-behaved leashed dogs
- Other locations prohibit pets due to local health codes or store management decisions
- Service animals are always permitted under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Is Academy Sports Legit?
Yes — Academy Sports and Outdoors is a completely legitimate retailer. Founded in 1938 and publicly traded on NASDAQ (ticker: ASO), the company is one of the most established sporting goods chains in the United States.
Indicators of legitimacy:
- Publicly listed company regulated by the SEC
- 300+ physical store locations across 20+ states
- Federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL)
- Comenity Bank-issued credit card (regulated financial institution)
- BBB-accredited business with verified customer service channels
The website academy.com is the only official online store. Be cautious of third-party sites using similar names — the real site is always academy.com.
How Much Does Academy Sports Pay Employees?
Pay at Academy Sports varies by role, location, and experience level. Based on publicly available employment data:
| Role | Average Hourly Pay |
|---|---|
| Cashier | $10 – $14/hour |
| Sales Associate | $11 – $15/hour |
| Team Lead | $14 – $19/hour |
| Assistant Manager | $18 – $26/hour |
| Store Manager | $50,000 – $80,000/year |
| Distribution Center | $15 – $20/hour |
Academy Sports also offers employee benefits including health insurance, 401(k) plans, paid time off, and an employee discount on store merchandise.
Frequently Asked Questions
6 FAQs About Academy Sports
FAQ 1: Does Academy Sports sell guns?
Short Answer: Yes.Academy Sports + Outdoors carries handguns, rifles, and shotguns in most store locations. Every purchase requires a federal background check through NICS. Firearms cannot be returned once the transfer is completed. Staff follow all state and federal regulations during the sale process.
FAQ 2: What is the Academy Sports return policy?
Short Answer: 60 days with a receipt.Most items can be returned within 60 days of purchase with the original receipt. Without a receipt, you receive store credit at the current selling price. Firearms, ammunition, and certain opened electronics fall under special restrictions. Bring a valid photo ID for all returns.
FAQ 3: Does Academy Sports offer a military discount?
Short Answer: Yes — 10% off.Active duty military, veterans, and military spouses qualify for a 10% discount on most regular-priced items. In-store, show a valid military ID. Online, verify through ID.me. The discount does not apply to firearms, ammunition, or gift cards.
FAQ 4: What time does Academy Sports open and close?
Short Answer: 9 AM – 9 PM weekdays/Saturday, 10 AM – 8 PM Sunday.Most Academy Sports locations follow these standard hours. Holiday hours may vary. Use the store locator at academy.com or call your local store to confirm today’s schedule before visiting.
FAQ 5: Does Academy Sports price match?
Short Answer: Yes, for qualifying competitors.Academy Sports matches prices from major sporting goods competitors when the item is identical and in stock at the competitor. Show proof of the lower price at customer service. Third-party marketplace listings and auction sites do not qualify.
FAQ 6: Is Academy Sports and Outdoors legit?
Short Answer: Absolutely yes.Academy Sports + Outdoors has operated since 1938 and is publicly traded on NASDAQ (ASO). It runs 300+ stores, holds a federal firearms license, and partners with Comenity Bank for its credit card. It is one of the most trusted sporting goods retailers in the country.
Strong Conclusion — Take Action Today
Academy Sports + Outdoors gives you a full range of sporting and outdoor products under one roof — whether you’re after gear for your next hunt, a new pair of running shoes, or camping equipment for a family trip. Now that you know the exact store hours, the military discount process, the return policy, how the credit card works, and where to find promo codes — you’re ready to shop with confidence.
Your next step: Use the academy.com store locator to find the nearest location, download the Academy Sports app for exclusive promo codes, and if you shop often, consider applying for the Academy Sports credit card to earn 5% back on every purchase.
External Sources Used in Research
- Academy Sports + Outdoors Official Site — academy.com
- SEC EDGAR — ASO Publicly Traded Filing
- FBI NICS Background Check Program
- Comenity Bank — Academy Sports Credit Card
- ADA.gov — Service Animal Rights in Retail
Article written for informational purposes. Store policies, hours, and discounts are subject to change. Always verify current details at academy.com or by contacting your local store directly.
JOURNEY TODAY.