Academy Sports + Outdoors gets its school spirit on

Sporting goods and apparel retailer Academy Sports + Outdoors has renewed multi-year contracts with Auburn University and the University of Alabama. The renewal means that it will continue to sell the universities’ licensed products in its 13 Alabama stores.



The retailer is currently an official sponsor of University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide and official sporting goods retailer for Auburn University’s Tigers, and has been working with the two universities for several years.



“We appreciate Academy's continued support and shared values when it comes to our school and the community,” Auburn IMG Sports Marketing’s GM, Jon Cole, said. "They've played an active role in this community for many years and we are proud to have them as part of the Auburn family.



According to Crimson Tide Sports Marketing’s GM, Jim Carabin, Academy has “shown a deep commitment to the diverse interests of Tide fans, our students, their parents and our community."



The company is also adding a second store in Columbia, South Carolina, July 2014 and has renewed its multi-year partnership with the Univ. of South Carolina. The new 72,000-sq.-ft. store will be located at the intersection of Park Terrace Dr. and Bower Pkwy., representing approximately 150 new jobs.



"We're thrilled about adding another convenient location for USC fans and active-minded families in the area to find all their sports, outdoor and lifestyle products at our everyday low prices," said Tammi Hysell, Academy Sports + Outdoors' senior director of promotions. "We're really excited to further our commitment to Columbia with this second store and continuing our partnership with the university."



Academy opened its first Columbia store in August 2011. This will be Academy's ninth store in South Carolina and second store to open in the state this year. The first 2014 store opened in Florence in April.



"Academy Sports + Outdoors has been a great community partner since day one," said Univ. of South Carolina athletic director, Ray Tanner. "We really appreciate their support of our athletics program, the Columbia community as a whole, and being a great destination for Gamecock fans to get all their gear to cheer us on."