Sports Authority Gears up for Active Black Friday

When Sports Authority throws open its doors for Black Friday, it anticipates seeing an increased number of people with fitness and health on their minds -- as well as on their holiday shopping lists.

To help motivate those concerned about recent toy recalls and the need to improve their family's overall physical fitness, Sports Authority will usher in Black Friday at 5:30 a.m. by handing out "Bonus Bucks" discount cards to the first 100 people who enter each of its 435 stores. The "Bonus Bucks" cards will be worth from $10-100 toward any purchase in the store from 5:30 a.m. until noon, that day only.

Throughout the store there will be many sale items to choose from, as merchandise will be on sale for up to 60% off for the two-day sale. All Sports Authority stores will be open 5:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. on November 23 (mall store hours may vary).

"Every indication is that sporting goods has moved closer to the top of the list when it comes to holiday shopping needs, especially in light of the recent toy recalls and the growing desire to improve our children's fitness," said David Campisi, president of Sports Authority. "I think people are seeing sporting goods as the ideal gift that provides not only fun, but also promotes a healthier and more active lifestyle."

To help many shoppers address the inevitable New Year's resolution of "Getting back into shape," Sports Authority will offer substantial savings on fitness equipment such as the Weslo 225 GTX Treadmill for $199.99 (representing a savings of 50%), and the Pro-Form 130 Spacesaver Elliptical unit for $349.99 (regularly priced at $699.99).

Cyclists will find many selections from which to choose, including either an Ironhorse Quantum or Diamondback Topanga bike for $299.99. Both are originally priced at $599.99.

In addition, all athletic shoes, cleats and boots are "Buy one, get one for half-off", and for golfers, the TaylorMade R5 driver will be reduced from $329.99 to $129.99.

Those looking to outfit their kids with Heelys footwear will find the lowest price ever for these popular shoes, as Sports Authority will be selling them for $29.99 a pair, a savings of 50%.

Offering proof that the holidays are all about fun and games, the nation's largest sporting goods retailer will mark down the prices on such items as the Sportcraft Bank Shot Basketball Arcade Game ($79.99; a savings of $120); Gamepower Sidekick Soccer Table ($99.99; a savings of $200); and Gamepower 7' Slapshot Pro Air Hockey Table ($149.99; a savings of $250).

Considered the retailing industry's Super Bowl, "Black Friday" is always an eventful and competitive one-day battle. "'Black Friday' is a sporting event in and of itself," said Campisi "So, what better place than Sports Authority to prepare you for this grueling, one-day marathon of shopping?"

About Sports Authority

Headquartered in Englewood, CO., Sports Authority is the nation's largest full-line sporting goods retailer, offering a comprehensive and high-quality assortment of brand name sporting apparel and equipment at competitive prices.

Sports Authority is staffed with experts in all areas of sports and fitness related topics, and strives to be the ultimate "authority," both on and off the field. Whether in the game or cheering from the sidelines, Sports Authority is the leading destination for consumers to fulfill their own sports equipment needs, as well as find their favorite team's apparel.

Sports Authority operates 435 stores in 45 states, and employs more than 16,000 people nationwide. It also operates stores in Japan under a licensing agreement with AEON Co., Ltd. The company's e-commerce website is located at http://www.sportsauthority.com.