Academy Sports inks 53K SF lease at Fayette Pavilion

Source: bizjournals.com

TL;DR

The story at a glance

Academy Sports + Outdoors, a Texas-based sporting goods retailer, has signed a lease for a new 53,000-square-foot store at Fayette Pavilion in Fayetteville, Georgia. Franklin Street secured the deal on behalf of landlord 5Rivers. This is being reported now amid the chain's expansion plans for 20-25 new stores in fiscal 2026.[[2]](https://franklinst.com/academy-sports-set-to-join-georgias-largest-retail-shopping-center)[[3]](https://investors.academy.com/news-releases/news-release-details/academy-sports-outdoors-grows-retail-footprint-two-new-locations)

Key points

Details and context

Fayette Pavilion serves as the primary retail hub for Fayette County and surrounding Atlanta suburbs, hosting nearly every major national power center retailer.[[2]](https://franklinst.com/academy-sports-set-to-join-georgias-largest-retail-shopping-center) The center still has space available from 3,000 to 50,000 square feet for new entrants.[[2]](https://franklinst.com/academy-sports-set-to-join-georgias-largest-retail-shopping-center)

Academy Sports + Outdoors, headquartered in Katy, Texas, focuses on sporting goods and outdoor recreation merchandise. Its stores average around 70,000 square feet, with this lease fitting its typical format.[[4]](https://investors.academy.com/static-files/b913a686-f6ae-4ee2-a700-dabaf1b608b9)

The lease aligns with Academy's broader expansion, planning 20-25 new stores in fiscal 2026 after opening 24 in fiscal 2025.[[5]](https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2026/03/19/academy-sports-outdoors-20-25-new-stores-2026.html)

Key quotes

“The addition of Academy Sports to Fayette Pavilion enhances our already established 1.5 million square foot shopping center,” Sam Krueger, managing director, Franklin Street, said. “This premier sporting goods store will create new opportunities for existing tenants to thrive while driving additional leasing activity to the property and providing an enhanced retail experience for the community.”[[2]](https://franklinst.com/academy-sports-set-to-join-georgias-largest-retail-shopping-center)

Why it matters

The deal strengthens Fayette Pavilion's draw as Georgia's top open-air center, anchoring it with a major sporting goods tenant amid ongoing retail leasing. For local shoppers in Fayetteville and Atlanta suburbs, it means a new destination for sports and outdoor gear near everyday anchors like Walmart and Home Depot. Watch for the Q4 2026 opening and any ripple effects on nearby Academy stores or further chain expansions in Georgia.[[1]](https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2026/04/16/academy-sports-and-outdoors-inks-lease.html)

FAQ

Q: Where is the new Academy Sports store going in Fayetteville?[[2]](https://franklinst.com/academy-sports-set-to-join-georgias-largest-retail-shopping-center)

A: It will open at Fayette Pavilion, 72 Pavilion Parkway, in a 53,000-square-foot space. The center is Georgia's largest open-air retail shopping center with 1.5 million square feet. Franklin Street secured the lease for landlord 5Rivers.[[2]](https://franklinst.com/academy-sports-set-to-join-georgias-largest-retail-shopping-center)

Q: What tenants are already at Fayette Pavilion?[[2]](https://franklinst.com/academy-sports-set-to-join-georgias-largest-retail-shopping-center)

A: Major anchors include The Home Depot, Target, Walmart, PetSmart, and Publix, plus over 60 other retailers. The center was built from 1995 to 2003 and serves Fayette County and nearby Atlanta suburbs. It remains a top-visited power center in the state.[[2]](https://franklinst.com/academy-sports-set-to-join-georgias-largest-retail-shopping-center)

Q: When will the Academy Sports store in Fayetteville open?[[1]](https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2026/04/16/academy-sports-and-outdoors-inks-lease.html)

A: The store is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2026. Academy has posted jobs like store sales manager for the location. This fits the retailer's plan for 20-25 new stores in fiscal 2026.[[1]](https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2026/04/16/academy-sports-and-outdoors-inks-lease.html)[[3]](https://investors.academy.com/news-releases/news-release-details/academy-sports-outdoors-grows-retail-footprint-two-new-locations)

Q: Who brokered the lease for the Academy store?[[2]](https://franklinst.com/academy-sports-set-to-join-georgias-largest-retail-shopping-center)

A: Franklin Street secured the agreement on behalf of 5Rivers, the landlord. Sam Krueger, managing director at Franklin Street, highlighted how the addition boosts the center's appeal. The deal was announced around mid-April 2026.[[2]](https://franklinst.com/academy-sports-set-to-join-georgias-largest-retail-shopping-center)

_Disclaimer: Grok is not a financial adviser; please consult one. Don't share information that can identify you._