Back-to-school shopping is about to become much more interesting for Annapolis families.
DICK’S House of Sport is now open at Annapolis Mall, bringing sports equipment, athletic apparel, and footwear together with hands-on experiences including rock climbing, virtual golf, and batting cages. The store will celebrate its arrival with a three-day grand opening weekend from Friday, Aug. 14, through Sunday, Aug. 16.
The timing could be especially helpful for families checking off back-to-school and fall sports shopping lists. Maryland’s Tax-Free Week runs from Sunday, Aug. 9, through Saturday, Aug. 15, which means qualifying purchases made during the first two days of the celebration may be eligible for additional savings. Clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less per item qualify for the exemption, along with the first $40 of a backpack or bookbag purchase.
Whether you are a soccer mom, baseball mom, football mom, fitness mom (or simply a mom trying to find sneakers that fit before the first day of school) the new store offers plenty of reasons to visit.
A Grand Opening Weekend Packed With Ravens Guests
The celebration kicks off Friday, Aug. 14, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. featuring Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed.
Reed will be available for photos with customers who receive wristbands. He will not sign autographs during the appearance.
Former Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith is scheduled to visit the store from noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15.
The weekend concludes with an appearance by current Ravens running back Derrick Henry from noon to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. Henry will sign player cards provided by DICK’S Sporting Goods, but outside merchandise will not be accepted.
Participation will be limited to one autograph or one photo per customer, depending on the athlete. Wristbands will be required and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis when the store opens each day, so families hoping to meet one of the players should plan to arrive early.
Consider waiting in line the first athletic event of the weekend.
Free Gift Cards, Soccer Balls and Grand Opening Deals
Early arrivals will have another reason to get in line.
The first 100 adults are expected to receive free mystery gift cards worth up to $500, while the first 100 children will receive free soccer balls. The celebration will also feature doorbuster deals, discounts, giveaways, and activities throughout the weekend.
Shoppers can also find a grand opening coupon on the store’s website offering $10 off an in-store purchase of $50 or more. Restrictions may apply, so check the offer details before shopping.
For families preparing for fall, the weekend offers an opportunity to shop for school sneakers, athletic clothing, cleats, backpacks, and equipment while taking advantage of several promotions at once. Remember that Maryland’s tax-free period ends Saturday, Aug. 15, so purchases made Sunday will not qualify for the state sales-tax exemption.
More Than a Sporting Goods Store
DICK’S House of Sport is the company’s experiential retail concept, designed to give customers opportunities to try activities and equipment instead of simply browsing store shelves. The company began introducing House of Sport locations in 2021.
The Annapolis store includes an indoor climbing wall with routes for different experience levels. Families can register for climbing sessions, with staff available to help participants get properly equipped.
Golfers can use TrackMan simulator bays, schedule 30-minute lessons, rent a simulator, or book a professional club fitting. These services can help experienced golfers work on their swing, but they also offer a low-pressure way for beginners to give the sport a try.
Baseball and softball players can use HitTrax multi-sport cages for batting practice, games and equipment testing. Families can reserve cage time or schedule bat fittings before the fall season.
The store also features areas dedicated to different sports and activities, along with a large selection of apparel, athletic shoes, cleats, and equipment. That makes it possible to outfit multiple children for different sports without driving to several stores, a benefit any busy parent can appreciate.
Create Customized Gear
Families looking for something more personal can stop by the store’s Expression Lab.
The customization area gives shoppers opportunities to personalize merchandise through options such as a shoe-charm bar, tote-bag heat press, and laser etching. Kids can add their own style to new gear, while parents can create personalized gifts, team items or accessories.
It could also be a fun stop for children who are less interested in batting averages and golf swings but still want to take part in the experience.
Birthday Parties, Team Practices and Group Events
DICK’S House of Sport also offers rentals for birthday parties, practices, leagues, and group gatherings.
Families can reserve the field for birthday parties featuring activities such as:
- Basketball
- Dodgeball
- Flag football
- Kickball
- Lawn games
- Soccer
- Track time trials
- Wiffle ball
Note: the field is still in the construction phase.
Birthday activities are designed for children ages 6 and older. Party packages include two hours of activity time, a dedicated party host, reserved seating for up to 30 children and party favors.
The field can also be booked for team practices, league play, end-of-season celebrations and corporate team-building events.
Reservations are already available for climbing sessions, golf lessons, simulator rentals, club fittings, HitTrax cage rentals, and bat fittings.
Something for Every Kind of Mom
The store may have “sport” in its name, but families do not need to be intensely athletic to enjoy it.
The team mom can pick up last-minute equipment and explore indoor practice options. The fitness-focused mom can shop for workout clothes, footwear and exercise gear. The golf mom can test a simulator or schedule a club fitting. The birthday-party-planning mom has a new venue to consider.
Even the “I’m just here because everyone outgrew their shoes again” mom can take care of back-to-school shopping while the kids explore the store.
With interactive attractions, customized merchandise, rentals, and a wide range of products, DICK’S House of Sport is part sporting goods store, part activity center and part family outing.
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