Scores Of Early Birds Head to Opening Day at Dick's Sporting Goods

Baby, it was cold outside — but that didn't stop the scores of early morning shoppers who headed to the brand-new Dick's Sporting Goods store on Route 58 Friday morning for the start of a three-day grand opening celebration, and great giveaways.

Staffers said customers started lining up around 5 a.m. — three hours before the doors were slated to open at 8 a.m., all in the hopes of grabbing one of the "Mystery Gift Cards" handed out to the first 100 customers.

The gift cards ranged from $5 to $500; Saturday, shoppers can again line up ib Saturday and Sunday. The first 100 will receive Mystery Gift Cards, plus a free Under Armour Tech T-shirt for the first 100 people in line on Saturday, and a free Scratch & Win card, where every card is a winner, for the first 100 adults in line on Sunday.

Another score on Saturday: New York Mets Hall of Fame member John Franco will be stopping by the new Dick's location at 1779 Old Country Road on Saturday from 11 until 1 p.m. and signing autographs for fans. 

Special extended store hours will be in effect for Friday and Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Former Mets Captain Franco was a four time All-Star with 424 saves in his career, the fourth most in major league history and the most for any left-handed pitcher.

Beginning at 8 a.m., 350 wristbands will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis on Saturday for autographs by Franco; limit one wristband and one autograph per person. Fans must have a wristband and must be in the special appearance line by 11 a.m. to receive an autograph. 

 “We look forward to opening our new Dick's Sporting Goods in Riverhead, becoming part of the community and serving athletes of all ages by providing them the equipment they need to excel," said Lauren Hobart, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Dick's Sporting Goods. 

Dick's staffers were also handing out free water bottles on Friday.