Academy Sports + Outdoors Selects Marshall, Texas for New Location- City & EDC Work to Revitalize Key Commercial Property

MARSHALL, Texas – Marshall Economic Development Corporation (Marshall EDC) is pleased to announce that Academy Sports + Outdoors, a premier sporting goods and outdoor retailer, has selected 2400 E End Blvd, Marshall, Texas, as the site for one of its newest locations. This major investment marks a significant milestone in Marshall's economic development, bringing a popular, high-quality national retailer to the community and rehabilitating a long-vacant commercial property, formerly known as Gibson’s department store

The proposed $9 million project involves the comprehensive reconstruction and rehabilitation of the building and property at 2400 E End Blvd. This site has remained underdeveloped and off the tax rolls for over 3 decades. The transformation of this space into a vibrant Academy Sports + Outdoors location will not only bring new jobs and sales tax revenue to the City of Marshall but will also eliminate an underutilized, blighted structure, boosting property values in the surrounding area. Construction and remodeling will begin this month for an opening expected in late 2026.  Employment opportunities will be forthcoming as development progresses.

"We are extremely thankful and absolutely thrilled to welcome Academy Sports + Outdoors to Marshall," said Marshall Mayor Amy Ware. "This project is a testament to the continued growth of our community and our commitment to providing additional shopping options for our residents. It is a perfect example of our efforts to encourage new business investment by focusing on revitalizing existing infrastructure, a foundation for business sustainability and growth.   It is also further acknowledgment that Marshall is open for business, progressing on the right track, and moving forward."

The selection of this location was a strategic move aimed at enhancing the retail landscape along one of Marshall’s primary commercial corridors, US Hwy 59.  "Marshall EDC is proud to have worked closely with Academy Sports + Outdoors to bring this project to fruition," said Colin Brady, Chairman of the Marshall Economic Development Corporation.  “Strengthening our community through proactive economic development is our top priority, and we are thankful to have collaborative partnerships with the City of Marshall and all the other community partners who helped make this project happen.  Seeing this long-vacant property revitalized by a major national retailer, rather than allowing it to remain dormant, is a huge win for us all.”

"Academy Sports + Outdoors is excited to bring its broad assortment of sports and outdoors gear to the Marshall community," said a representative from Academy Sports + Outdoors. "We look forward to serving the area and helping local customers have fun out there."

“We are very thankful for Academy Sports + Outdoors for their investment in our community.  We are also very thankful for the dedicated and collaborative efforts of staff and leadership from the teams at Marshall EDC, the City of Marshall, TxDOT, development and engineering partners, and multiple utility providers, amongst others.  With firm relationships, unified vision, proactive planning, sound investment, and professional response, these recruitment projects are possible.  By aligning development strategies and investing in revitalization, our community is creating an environment and foundation where businesses can thrive,” said Rush Harris, CEcD, Executive Director of Marshall Economic Development. “We look forward to doing this again!”

For more information about the project, please contact the Marshall Economic Development Corporation or visit our website at www.marshalledc.org.

About Marshall Economic Development Corporation:

Marshall Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is a locally funded, nonprofit Type A EDC formed in 1991 to foster economic growth in Marshall and Harrison County for primary employment. Acting as a catalyst for the City of Marshall, MEDC collaborates with existing businesses and recruits new employers to expand job opportunities and private investment, while preserving the local tax base. Guided by a volunteer Board of Directors and led by Executive Director Rush Harris, CEcD, the EDC focuses its efforts on long-term planning in key areas, including workforce development, business infrastructure, skills education, and land development, to build a sustainable and inclusive economic ecosystem.   By providing property location assistance, market data, incentive facilitation, regulatory coordination, and workforce training, MEDC aims to foster a proactive, business-friendly environment that promotes community wealth, attracts long-term investment, and improves the city’s quality of life.

Media Contact:

Rush Harris, CEcD

Executive Director

Marshall Economic Development Corporation

www.marshalledc.org

100 N Bolivar, Ste 206

Marshall, TX  75670

(903) 934-8035 - Office

(903) 930-2516 - Cell

rushharris@marshalledc.org