Kerrville’s long-awaited Academy Sports + Outdoors store is nearly ready to open, bringing a national sporting-goods chain into a Hill Country retail fight that has been simmering for more than a year. The store is expected to open in mid-August at River Hills Mall, though Academy has not released the exact grand-opening date.
The 48,862-square-foot location is expected to create about 60 jobs and stock gear aimed at Kerrville’s outdoor-heavy lifestyle, from fishing and camping equipment to athletic apparel and footwear, according to MySA. Hiring reportedly began in June, putting the retailer in the final stretch before its first Kerrville opening.
A Nearly 49,000-Square-Foot Store Inside River Hills Mall
Academy’s official store page lists the Kerrville location as “coming soon” and shows it at River Hills Mall, with services planned to include hunting and fishing licenses, line spooling, scope mounting and propane exchange. The retailer also highlights fishing tackle, athletic clothing, backyard recreation and other merchandise tailored to Hill Country residents.
The project is not simply filling an empty storefront. The Kerr County Lead reported that Academy was built into a large section of the mall and turned outward, giving it the look and entrance of a standalone store while preserving the River Hills Mall connection.
The Tax Rebate Deal Still Hangs Over The Opening
Kerrville leaders approved a performance-based economic development agreement in 2025 to help attract Academy and revive a mall that had struggled with vacancies and declining foot traffic. Under the deal, River Hills Mall owner Alpha Lake Ltd. could receive up to $500,000 in sales-tax rebates over four years, according to an earlier MySA report.
City officials argued that the project could keep more shopping dollars in Kerrville and generate additional sales-tax revenue. A city-commissioned 2018 analysis estimated that local residents spent roughly $18.7 million on sporting goods outside Kerrville, while some local business owners warned that the incentive could give the big-box retailer an unfair advantage over established shops.
Exact Grand Opening Date Has Not Been Announced
For now, Academy is promoting the Kerrville store as an August arrival rather than naming a specific day. The company told MySA that additional grand-opening details will be announced soon, leaving local shoppers with a narrow window to watch for the official launch date.
