Sportscenter Athletic Club
“More Than Just A Gym” was a phrase that resonated with Sammy Johnson for many years prior to opening his first athletic club. Being a member of numerous facilities that offered merely weight lifting, cardio equipment and aerobic classes, he had a vision of a one-stop upscale club that offered a wellness environment that would encompass the fitness needs of a broad customer base. He had a dream of opening a “country club” type facility that would offer any and all types of fitness opportunities for its clients, thus Sportscenter Athletic Club was born.
After Sammy retired from playing in the NFL he decided to pursue his dream. The first athletic club was built in 1982 in Concord, North Carolina. At that time, Concord was not a likely choice for such a club; however this was the hometown of Sammy’s wife Linda. The athletic club is still there today and has proven to be a successful business model.
Sammy Johnson wasn’t looking to build another athletic club, but an opportunity presented itself in High Point, North Carolina. Sammy was a High Point native and a number of his high school friends and fellow UNC graduates who were now prominent business men in the area approached him with a proposal. They wanted him to bring the vision to the Triad. After careful consideration, he decided to proceed. He relocated his entire family to High Point. This included his wife Linda, eldest son Sam, daughter Kelly, and youngest son Matt. The Sportscenter High Point opened in 2000 and at 75,000 square feet is one of the largest privately owned athletic clubs on the entire east coast. The amenities include: four racquetball courts, four tennis courts, two basketball courts, a state-of-the-art weight room, 100 pieces of cardio equipment, aerobics studio, cycling studio, yoga/pilates studio, indoor track, two steam rooms, two saunas, whirlpool, indoor lap pool, indoor activity pool, outdoor pool, outdoor kiddie pool, two outdoor sand volleyball courts, an indoor volleyball court, massage therapist, internet cafe and lounge, teenage game room, and nursery. The club has been successful in the High Point area and Sammy thought that it would be his last athletic club, but yet another opportunity presented itself.
In August 2011 Sportscenter Athletic Club acquired the local Gold’s Gym’s in the triad adding yet another location for it’s members. Located on Battleground Avenue, it’s second location is comprised of close to 30,000 square feet of fitness goodness. Facility amenities for the new Greensboro Club include the following: weight machines, free weights, cardiovascular equipment, a cardio cinema movie theater, Les Mills group fitness classes, free childcare, locker facilities, sauna, personal training, and massage therapy.
