Florida’s retail landscape is once again undergoing change as Dick’s Sporting Goods prepares to close its Westshore Plaza location in Tampa. The store, which has been a mainstay and anchor for the mall, will officially shut down on October 2, 2024. However, fans of the sporting goods giant need not worry, as Dick’s is relocating to a larger, upgraded space at International Plaza and Bay Street, promising an expanded experience and a star-studded grand opening.
The closure marks a significant moment for Westshore Plaza, which has been slowly losing its anchor stores. Sears, another anchor, closed in 2019, leaving only Macy’s in operation. In April 2024, the Tampa City Council approved a plan for the mall’s owner to demolish much of the property, excluding Macy’s, and rebuild with a mixed-use concept that includes retail, 1,700 housing units, and a hotel.
A New Chapter: Dick’s House of Sport
As Dick’s Sporting Goods moves forward, its new store at International Plaza will be much more than just a relocation. The new space, branded as Dick’s House of Sport, will span up to 100,000 square feet and offer an immersive shopping experience. Beyond just shelves of sports gear, the new location will feature unique attractions such as a rock climbing wall, golf bays with simulators, and a sports cage for baseball, lacrosse, and soccer training.