It might not be at the top of the list when it comes to Champaign-Urbana’s claims to fame, but you can add another item to that elite group.
Dick’s House of Sport, the renamed and remodeled facility at Market Place Shopping Center, is pulling in sports-minded folks who not only need equipment or merchandise but also are looking for an interactive experience. This place isn’t about just buying things; it’s about experiencing things.
Dick’s Sporting Goods has occupied the space for years but recently overhauled its previous store while taking over the adjacent building that belonged to Field & Stream. In its place is a massive 102,000-square foot facility dubbed Dick’s House of Sport, the fourth such to open in the United States, according to local Dick’s officials. The chain will eventually open 12 across the country, including nine in 2023. (The Champaign grand opening is July 28-30; it includes special appearances by Bonnie Blair, Dee Brown, Pierre Thomas and Peoria native Jim Thome.)
Given the larger footprint, as you might imagine, the store has a vast array of expanded choices for clothing and equipment. Indeed, it is hard to imagine the store lacks any offering related to equipment for numerous sports, including fishing, baseball, soccer, hockey and a bunch of others. Also available are various services, including club fitting for golf, bike repair service, racquet stringing and baseball/softball services.
Where Dick’s House of Sport really separates itself is in its interactive offerings, including a climbing wall, a batting cage, a putting green and a golf simulator. All of which allows Dick’s to offer scheduled sessions or events or birthday parties. Take your pick.
The climbing wall: A 15-minute climb on the wall starts at $10. You can rent the wall for a private group for one hour starting at $120. Monthly and three-month passes also available.
The golf simulator: Practice your swing on a golf simulation machine, or play a round on a course of your choice, for 30 minutes for $29.99, or 60 minutes for $49.99. (Renting a bay requires that you bring your own clubs and balls.) Click here to request a booking.
The cage: It actually works for baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, hockey and field hockey. A pitching machine allows for batting practice, so if there’s a bat you’re interested in purchasing, grab it and step into the cage. The other sports allow users to do a little target practice. It’s $10 for 10 minutes and goes up from there. Walk-ins are welcome but take a back seat to reservations, so they are highly recommended when possible.
And that’s hardly all. Among the other upcoming events at Dick’s are a meet-and-greet with the Parkland soccer team (Aug. 12), an Illinois soccer team meet-and-greet (Aug. 13) and House of Sport Tryouts (sample a new sport alongside some Division I athletes) on Aug. 29. Click here for the complete list and to book spots.