RUSTON -- The facelift being given to the floor of the Thomas Assembly Center is moving along schedule as demolition is wrapping up, while the new Maplewood flooring has been delivered to the arena.

W. J. Enterprises, out of Amite, La., is expected to finish demolition Friday, Sept. 7. The state-of-the-art flooring is now on-site to adjust to the humidity to prevent swelling before installation.

Bulldog head coach Kerry Rupp said he is excited to see the advancement of the floor and is looking forward to what it will offer both the men?s and women?s program?s at Louisiana Tech.

?This is a fantastic step forward for both basketball programs here,? Rupp said. ?The new basketball court shows a tremendous commitment to the future of both basketball programs. This arena, along with the other renovation projects will help us build toward the future in regards to recruiting, the welfare of our student-athletes and sends a positive statement about the direction our programs are headed in regards to striving for quality and excellence here at Louisiana Tech University.

Lady Techster head coach Chris Long echoed Coach Rupp?s sentiments about the new court in the TAC.

?You get excited when you see what?s actually taking place out there, and you know what it?s going to look like when it?s finished,? Long said. ?That first day of practice is always filled with anticipation and eagerness to get out there, but it?s even going to be more so on a brand new floor. We?re looking forward to it. It?s going to be beneficial to both programs.?

The project is still slated for an Oct. 13th finish in time for first practice for both basketball programs.