Academy Sports + Outdoors opened its first store in Gastonia, NC, located at 3580 E Franklin Blvd.

The new store is approximately 63,000 square feet and brings around 60 new jobs to the community. This marks Academy’s 6th Charlotte metropolitan area store, with another location opening in Mooresville, N.C. next month.

“We are excited to continue our expansion in the Charlotte metropolitan area with this new, convenient location in Gastonia,” said Sam Johnson, Academy Sports + Outdoors’ executive vice president of retail operations. “Whether customers are navigating the trails of Crowder’s Mountain or spending the day at the US National Whitewater Center, Academy Sports + Outdoors has the products and services needed for sports and outdoor fun.”

Prior to the grand opening, the store partnered with the Gaston County Family YMCA to donate $250 shopping sprees to 10 local mothers for Mother’s Day. Each Gaston County Family YMCA mother was nominated by their child to shop for new sports and outdoors equipment, apparel, footwear, and more.