Owner leaves California life to build dream
Christie Abercrombie, owner of 280 Sports, said she never thought that a business conference trip to Dallas would result in her leaving her life behind in California to become the owner of the Southlake building that houses one of the largest activity centers for children in the nation.
Having a real estate background, Abercrombie said she realized during her trip, while on a tour bus passing through Southlake, that the city would be perfect for her vision of creating a center where children could participate in dance, swim, karate, and gymnastics under one roof.
"I turned to my husband, and I asked him, 'What do you think about quitting our jobs, selling everything and getting a house in Southlake?'" she said. "He thought it was a great idea, so the very next day we bought a house and then we went back to California and sold everything. Thirty days later we were back in Southlake, and two weeks later we had our boy triplets and nine months later we opened 280 Sports."
She said it was her experience of being a five-time member of the U.S. World Trampoline Team, a stuntwoman, obtaining a law degree and being the first American to ever win the North American Cup in 1990 gave her the inspiration to open the center.
"Everything I've learned through sports has prepared me to be successful in all of my endeavors," Abercrombie said.
Even though Abercrombie had opened two gyms in California, she said 280 Sports was completely different because it required her to find the "perfect pieces to the puzzle" that would allow her to have everything she wanted for the center.
"When 280 Sports opened in 2008, there were only three businesses I had leased to," she said. "I had a precise road map of what businesses I wanted to lease to, and I strategically went out and went after them."
Although 280 Sports still has leasing available, Abercrombie said she currently leases to 20 family-friendly businesses.
Among those leased are: Champion Cheer Allstars, Southlake Gymnastics, Emler Swim School, Spanish Schoolhouse, Premier Martial Arts, Early Spring Arts Conservatory, The Brick Club, Triple Play School, Music Together, Mini Motor Speedway and Cryo 3Sixty.
"I wanted to create a nice place for parents to be able to bring their kids that would allow them to have access to multiple activities and sports all at once," she said. "We also provide theater-style seating for the parents because we understand in today's world that parents are often really busy, and we want them to be able to take a break and relax while their children are being active."
While waiting, parents can also get their hair styled, get manicures and pedicures at Pure Bliss Salon, eat a meal at Deb & Steve's Cafe, shop at The Studios of Southlake and 280 Toys, or buy a smoothie from Bubble Cup.
280 Sports also offers 280Camp and 280Parties, where parents can book a room and let the staff decorate for them.
"280 is unique in that we offer world-class businesses all under one roof," she said. "These businesses are helping parents raise good kids, and any time I can help with that, I will."
280 Sports, 280 Commerce St., Southlake, 817-897-3620, www.280sports.com
