Big 5 Sporting Goods: A Sporting Goods Destination for Enthusiasts and Outdoor Fans in Phoenix, Arizona
Written and verified by the Rallyvite editorial team using publicly available data and the business’s official website. Last updated: 22 Dec 2025 17:37
TL;DR: Big 5 Sporting Goods SUP is One of the Best Group Outing Venues near Phoenix
Big 5 Sporting Goods is a well-established retailer specializing in a wide range of sporting goods and outdoor equipment. Founded in 1955, the company originally began as a small chain with five stores in Southern California and has evolved into a major player with over 424 locations across 11 western states as of early 2024. Its stores average around 12,000 square feet, providing a traditional sporting goods shopping experience. Shoppers can find an extensive variety of products, including athletic shoes, apparel, and accessories, along with equipment for team sports, fitness activities, camping, hunting, fishing, tennis, golf, winter and summer recreation, and roller sports. This wide assortment, combined with a long history of catering to active lifestyles, makes Big 5 Sporting Goods a popular place to meet up with friends and gear up for outdoor and athletic adventures. The company emphasizes convenience with many store locations and regular hours, encouraging community engagement around sports and outdoor activity. Its heritage from army surplus and housewares to specializing in sporting goods reflects a deep connection to its customer base and local communities over many decades.
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What people think of Big 5 Sporting Goods, based on reviews
As of recent, Big 5 Sporting Goods holds a 4.3-star rating based on 1101 reviews.
Overall, Big 5 Sporting Goods holds an average rating of 4.3 stars from approximately 1,101 reviews, indicating a generally positive customer reception. Many customers appreciate the extensive variety of quality name-brand sporting goods available, which suits a wide range of sporting and outdoor needs. Positive reviews often highlight helpful customer service at various locations, convenient store locations, and the breadth of inventory, which supports both casual shoppers and serious athletes. However, there are some notable negative feedback points from customers, particularly concerning inconsistent customer service experiences in certain stores and perceptions of high pricing. Some reviewers called out problems with store management and suggested caution about store hours and availability. Additional complaints have arisen around responsiveness to issues and support, which have impacted customer satisfaction scores in some channels. Despite these concerns, customer satisfaction metrics from retail industry perspectives place Big 5 Sporting Goods above several competitors, suggesting a solid reputation overall. In conclusion, the reviews reflect Big 5 Sporting Goods as a reliable sporting goods retailer with room to improve service consistency and customer engagement but with strong product offerings and presence that make it a favored choice among many shoppers.
How to reach Big 5 Sporting Goods
7710 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85033, USA
FAQ about Big 5 Sporting Goods, your new favorite meetup place for groups in Phoenix, Arizona
When it comes to gathering a group of friends or family for a meetup centered around fun, adventure, and active pursuits, Big 5 Sporting Goods stands out as an exceptional destination. With a solid rating of 4.3 from over a thousand reviews, it has earned a reputation for reliability and a satisfying shopping experience. More than just a store, Big 5 is a hub for sporting goods enthusiasts, offering an inviting atmosphere that encourages groups to come together and gear up for outdoor activities or recreational sports. Rallying here means you not only get access to a vast selection of top-name brands and quality products but also share the excitement of browsing for gear that caters to every interest and skill level. Whether your crew is into team sports, camping, fishing, or fitness, Big 5 provides a common ground where everyone can explore, compare, and plan adventures collectively. Joining forces here sparks conversations about the next hiking trip, the perfect camping setup, or the right fishing rod, making your meetup as much about bonding as about shopping. This shared experience, combined with friendly staff and a welcoming environment, makes Big 5 Sporting Goods the ideal starting point for any active group outing.
Big 5 Sporting Goods is much more than a retail space; it’s a gateway to countless outdoor and sports-related activities that are perfect for groups. When you visit, you can dive into a wide array of options to plan your next group adventure. First, the store’s extensive inventory covers everything from athletic shoes and apparel to camping, fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation equipment. This means you and your friends can gear up for numerous activities like basketball, soccer, tennis, hiking, or even roller sports—all under one roof. For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, Big 5 carries popular camping gear including tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, and portable cooking equipment, enabling your group to plan a comfortable and exciting camping trip together. If fishing is your collective passion, the store offers a broad selection of rods, reels, bait, and tackle, making it easy for your crew to find the right equipment for a day on the water. Additionally, Big 5 stocks seasonal gear to keep your adventures going year-round, whether it's winter snow sports or summer water activities. This variety ensures that no matter your group’s interests or the season, Big 5 can outfit everyone for the fun ahead.
Big 5 Sporting Goods is tailored perfectly for group meetups because it combines convenience, variety, and community in one accessible setting. One of the key reasons is the store's welcoming atmosphere and layout, which encourages socializing while exploring the vast selection of products. The store’s size—averaging around 12,000 square feet—means there’s plenty of room for groups to roam through different sections simultaneously, enabling friends or family to split up by their interests and later regroup to share discoveries and plans. This flexibility allows for a dynamic shopping experience that suits diverse preferences within your group. Furthermore, the knowledgeable and friendly staff at Big 5 are a huge plus—they can assist groups by providing expert advice, product demos, and recommendations, turning the shopping trip into an engaging educational activity. This personalized service helps ensure everyone in the group gets the right gear, takes home useful knowledge, and feels confident in their choices. Plus, with regularly updated promotions and a rewards program, Big 5 makes it easy to enjoy great value, making your group outing both fun and budget-friendly.
Big 5 Sporting Goods is designed to meet the diverse needs of athletes, campers, hunters, fishers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike, making it a one-stop shop for any group interested in sports or nature activities. The store’s extensive product lines include specialized equipment for team sports like basketball, soccer, baseball, and football, offering everything from balls and protective gear to cleats and uniforms, perfect for groups looking to organize a match or season. For individual sports or fitness enthusiasts, the range of running shoes, workout apparel, and fitness equipment is impressive, ensuring everyone can find something to enhance their personal training or group workouts. Outdoor lovers will appreciate the camping, hiking, and fishing selections, which provide the necessary tools to enjoy nature comfortably and safely. Hunting gear and accessories also feature prominently for those interested in this pursuit, offering quality brands and items designed for safety and success. This comprehensive coverage ensures every group member’s sport or outdoor interest can be accommodated in one convenient location, reinforcing Big 5's appeal as a group hub.
Shopping at Big 5 Sporting Goods is designed to be as enjoyable and seamless as possible, especially when you’re visiting with friends or family. The store’s layout is straightforward and spacious, facilitating easy navigation through its extensive inventory without feeling cramped or rushed. This means your group can casually explore at their own pace, stopping to discuss or try out products without pressure. Big 5’s staff members are always approachable and ready to help, which is invaluable for groups that might have varied knowledge levels or specific questions about equipment, brands, or usage. Furthermore, the store’s connection with major brands and their competitive pricing make it an economical choice for groups looking to outfit many people. Another aspect that makes Big 5 perfect for group meetups is its frequent promotions, clearance deals, and loyalty rewards, allowing your group to save money collectively while purchasing the best gear. All these factors combine to create a positive shopping environment that encourages interaction, discovery, and shared excitement about upcoming group activities.
Big 5 Sporting Goods not only sells equipment but also acts as a catalyst for organizing active, social gatherings. The variety of products inspires groups to plan events such as weekend hikes, camping trips, fishing outings, or pickup sports games, and the store’s knowledgeable staff often assists with ideas on what gear or apparel is best suited for those plans. The broad range of equipment enables groups to coordinate and ensure that everyone is equally prepared, from protective gear for contact sports to appropriate shoes for trail running. Additionally, Big 5's presence in multiple western states and its abundance of locations mean that many groups can find a convenient nearby store, making it easier to meet up and shop in person. Having a shared destination like Big 5 Sporting Goods also provides a natural meetup place, where friends can gather not only to shop but to bond over their common interests before heading out on their activities together. This element of community-building through active lifestyles is a unique strength of Big 5, turning shopping into a social event that energizes and unites.
Groups shopping at Big 5 Sporting Goods will find an impressive selection of big-name brands and high-quality products tailored to every sporting and outdoor need. The inventory includes thousands of items spanning athletic footwear, outdoor gear, fitness equipment, and sport-specific apparel. You’ll find products for team sports, individual training, camping, fishing, hunting, and even seasonal sports like skiing or roller skating, ensuring options for nearly all preferences. This extensive variety means that no matter what activity your group is passionate about—whether it’s fishing rods and tackle boxes for a weekend trip, cleats and balls for soccer, or hiking boots and backpacks—the store will have what you need. The store’s offerings are also frequently updated to reflect the latest trends and technologies, guaranteeing that groups can access the best equipment and apparel available. This wide product range helps groups coordinate their activities knowing everyone can be outfitted properly and stylishly from one trusted source.
Big 5 Sporting Goods prioritizes accessibility and customer-friendly services, which makes group visits smooth and stress-free. The store is available in numerous locations across western states, and many stores have convenient hours to accommodate busy group schedules. Big 5 also offers free shipping on orders over a certain amount and easy in-store returns, which is helpful if your group decides to shop both online and in person. The store’s customer service hotline and knowledgeable staff provide valuable assistance over the phone or in-store, making it easier for groups to plan purchases in advance or get quick advice during visits. Moreover, the rewards program encourages repeat visits and collective savings, which is advantageous for frequent meetups. These services, combined with the store’s spacious and well-organized layout, provide a comfortable shopping environment that respects group dynamics and individual preferences alike, making Big 5 Sporting Goods highly accessible and user-friendly for group outings.