Empire Kids History
2013-2016
December 2013: Empire is birthed in Brooke's Garage, with one red mat.
March 2014: Empire hosts it's first classes in a back room in Benton. 103 athletes are signed up before the first class begins.
May 2014: Due to growth, Empire can no longer remain in the back room and move to their first "real location" on Interstate 30 at the end of the Luigi's building. Enrollment grows to 350 athletes in 11 months.
June 2014: Empire partners with announces the launch of "Showcase Teams.
December 2014: Empire hosts the 1st Annual Cookies & Milk with Santa event.
April 2015: Empire closes on a 7000 sq ft building in Bryant, which they believe will be their forever home. Enrollment doubles the next month.
May 2015: Empire announces the launch of Showcase Teams and Competitive Rec Teams.
August 2015: Empire launches Arkansas' first ever Special Olympics Cheerleading Team - Empire Inspire.
October 2015: Empire hosts the 1st Annual Trunk or Treat event.
April 2016: Empire announces the addition of Parkour to its programs.
December 2016: Empire closes on their 'for-real' forever home in Benton - a 18,000 sq ft facility - which will house a Main Training Room, a Parkour Room, Tiny Tumble Room, Event Room, Team Room, and offices for all the Staff.
2017-2019
January 2017: Remodeling begins.
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March 2017: Empire moves in the newly remodeled space.
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May 2017: Owner Brooke Plack opens a second business - Connect AFC, a Summer Camp and After School Care Program for School Age Children in Empire's former location.
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January 2018: Empire launches Parent Roundtables to collect feedback from parents on the progress and needs of each program.
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March 2018: Empire announces the expansion of their programs with the addition of All Star Cheerleading.
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April 2018: Empire hosts 1st Annual community-wide Easter Event.
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June 2018: Empire debuts 'Tag & Trend' by Empire - the new on-site shopping experience for Empire Apparel and gifts.
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Empire debuts the Empire Daddy Daughter Special Event Program.
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August 2018: Empire partners with the Benton Panther Developmental Football League to present 'Benton Maroon' to provide a sideline cheerleading experience to young athletes.
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October 2018: Empire installs their first full-sized Spring Floor in the Team Training Room.
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September 2019: Empire's Preschool Program launches the Tiny Tumble Team, known as T3.
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February 2019: TAG Up launches as the Progression & Evaluation System for Tumbling Classes.
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May 2019: Empire announces the addition of the Warrior Ninja Training Program.
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August 2019: Empire launches a competitive CheerABILITIES team for athletes with special needs - Empire Inspire Black.
2020-present
The 2020 COVID Pandemic strikes the Nation & the World.
Empire responds...
March 13, 2020: Empire announces postponement of Empire Day 2020 in wake of the nationwide pandemic.
March 15, 2020: 'Empire Goes Virtual' and releases a Virtual Training Program in response to the looming crisis.
March 19, 2020: Empire turns the lights off and closes the doors in compliance with government restrictions.
March 31, 2020: Empire families gather on the street outside Empire, inside vehicles, to be the 'Light in the Dark' and encircle our program in prayer.
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April 1, 2020: Empire hosts a Drive-Thru Egg Event in lieu of an in person Easter celebration.
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April 9, 2020: Empire Staff begin sewing masks for athletes and families.
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April 20, 2020: Empire announces 'Empire Outdoors' & Curbside Classes as an outdoor training option.
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April 27, 2020: Empire installs a semi-permanent tent structure to house classes outdoors for the long-haul.
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May 12, 2020: Empire begins LIVE streaming classes for athletes and families to participate from home.
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May 21, 2020: Empire announces classes are moving back indoors on June 1st.
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May 27th, 2020: Empire hosts its COVID Staff Training prior to re-opening the doors.
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June 1, 2020: Empire turns the lights back on.
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June 2020: Empire kicks off the addition of Recreational Gymnastics to their Program offerings.
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September 2020: Empire kicks off the Star Student Program, recognizing athlete achievements every single week in class.
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December 2020: Empire installs a Blessing Box at the corner of Alcoa Road as a community pantry for people to donate if they can, and take when they need it.
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February 2021: Empire shares a little secret - the lot next door has been purchased and they are expanding with the addition of an entire new facility.