CULLMAN, Ala. – Academy Sports + Outdoors is coming to Cullman’s south side. The Tribune reported this news way back in June; however, the City of Cullman and Cullman County could not officially confirm the name of the store until this week.
The sporting goods store will be located at the corner of King Edward Street Southwest and CSX Railways behind Walgreens and Buffalo Wild Wings in King Edward Plaza. Back in June, the Cullman County Commission estimated the store would bring 70-80 employment opportunities.
On Tuesday, Nov. 26, Cullman County Commission Chairman Jeff Clemons shared, “Think about what Academy Sports is going to do for Cullman County for generations to come. This is amazing. (Drinkard Development’s) Jason (Grimmett) and I talked about this six months ago and I’ve been excited ever since. This is truly a blessing to be able to work with the City and all of our great leaders across the county. I won’t have to go to Decatur anymore to buy my fishing stuff. We are firm believers of keeping our tax base right here in Cullman County, Alabama.”
Bringing Academy to Cullman was a joint effort between the City of Cullman and Cullman County.
Said Cullman Economic Development Agency Director Dale Greer, “Everybody benefits when the City and the County work together. We all benefit no matter how you do that. No matter where you spend a dollar here in the county or the city of Cullman, everybody gets a little piece of it. That’s why it’s so important to work together on this.”
Academy Sports + Outdoors is expected to open in Cullman in September 2025.
“Academy Sports + Outdoors is one of the nation’s largest sporting goods and outdoor stores. With 298 stores and counting, we offer a broad assortment of quality hunting, fishing, and camping equipment and gear, along with sports and leisure products, footwear, apparel and much more.” www.academy.com
