Lance Williams

lwilliams@tennessean.com

Academy Sports + Outdoors will build a new 1.6 million-square-foot distribution center in Cookeville that will ultimately create more than 700 jobs, officials announced Friday.

The sports, outdoors and lifestyle retailer will invest $100 million to build a center on more than 200 acres in Cookeville to support continued company growth.

Academy Sports + Outdoors will start construction on the facility this month and plans to become operational in early 2016. The site is located south of Old Stewart Road along Interstate 40 on the west side of Cookeville. This will be the company’s third distribution center.

“We’ve been an active member of the Tennessee community for over 15 years through our stores, and we’re looking forward to furthering our commitment to the state and local communities through the addition of our new distribution center,” Academy Sports + Outdoors CEO and President Rodney Faldyn said in a statement.

Academy Sports + Outdoors currently operates nine stores in Tennessee, with a 10th store planned to open this fall in Memphis. The company is headquartered in Katy, Texas, with a distribution facility there as well as a second distribution center in Jeffersonville, Ga.

Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty said the state has several advantages that led to the decision.

“Tennessee’s strength in transportation and logistics paired with its ideal central location make our state a standout choice for companies that deliver quality products to their customers each and every day,” Hagerty said.

The company will begin initial hiring in fall 2015. Individuals interested in careers can visit www.academy.com/careers to apply for available positions.