Academy Sports Will Open New Roanoke Store
The national retailer is set to open its 324th location on Towne Square Boulevard this October.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Openings & Closings
Live Poll
Do you believe the arrival of a new large retail store benefits your local community?
Academy Sports and Outdoors will open its 324th retail location in Roanoke on October 2, 2026. The new storefront on Towne Square Boulevard will create 60 jobs for the local community.
Why it matters
The opening brings a new national sporting goods option to the area while supporting local youth initiatives through charitable partnerships. These jobs and the new location represent a significant investment in the regional retail market.
The Roanoke location marks the 324th store for Academy Sports and Outdoors, which is adding at least 60 new jobs to the area. Additionally, the company is committing a $5,000 donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Virginia.
The players
Academy Sports and Outdoors
This is a major American sporting goods discount store chain headquartered in Katy, Texas.
Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Virginia
This is a non-profit organization providing youth development programs and after-school activities.
The details
The grand opening on October 2 follows a community-focused event on October 1, where 20 students will each receive a $200 shopping spree. The retailer is coordinating this initiative in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Virginia.
Timeline
October 1, 2026, 6:00 p.m.: Shopping spree donation held.
October 2, 2026, 7:40 a.m.: Grand opening held.
Market Landscape
This store launch follows a broader retail trend of expanding physical footprints for major sporting goods chains into mid-sized regional markets. It positions the company to capture increased market share by establishing a presence on Towne Square Boulevard.
Local residents can apply for one of the 60 newly created jobs as the store prepares for its October launch. Shoppers will gain a new source for athletic gear and outdoor equipment in the Towne Square Boulevard area.
The takeaway
This new store adds a significant employer to the Roanoke retail landscape while fostering ties with local non-profits. Residents interested in employment or charitable youth programs should monitor company announcements for further store-level programming.
What happens next
The donation event for students is scheduled for October 1, 2026, followed by the grand opening ceremony on October 2, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local business shifts, visit the Roanoke Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WSLS.
Live Poll
Do you believe the arrival of a new large retail store benefits your local community?
