TSA Sports Authority New

Sports Authority, Inc. (NYSE: TSA), one of the nation's largest full-line sporting goods retailers, today announced it will support relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Katrina by establishing a mechanism for customers to make contributions at its nationwide network of stores and by matching a portion of those contributions. Beginning on September 3 at its annual Labor Day Weekend SNIAGRAB winter sports sale in Denver, CO, customers will be encouraged to support the relief effort and be given the opportunity to add a contribution on to their total bill. Sports Authority will segregate the contributions and match a portion of the proceeds, which will be donated to the American Red Cross. The company intends to expand the program across the United States beginning next week. Sports Authority, operating under The Sports Authority(R), Gart Sports(R), Sportmart(R) and Oshman's(R) names, has three stores in New Orleans, all of which have been closed, and more than 60 employees. The company is in the process of attempting to contact these employees to confirm their whereabouts and their safety. "The devastation in New Orleans is staggering and we are deeply concerned for our employees and all the residents of this area affected by Hurricane Katrina," said Doug Morton, CEO of Sports Authority. "We are committed to helping the relief effort in any way we are able to and we encourage our customers to contribute as they deem appropriate. We are heartened by the support given across the country in the wake of this natural disaster and we commend the efforts of all companies and organizations that are providing assistance in one way or another to assist the victims in this tragedy."