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RUSTON --Since the initial plans for the Davison Athletics Complex were unveiled back in 2010, it has been referred to as a game-changer for Louisiana Tech University and its athletic department.

During a private lunch-time ribbon cutting ceremony Friday, the first wave of Louisiana Tech faithful -- mostly donors and dignitaries -- saw first-hand the impact of the 70,000-plus square foot, $22 million dollar south end zone facility.

For Louisiana Tech officials -- both academic and athletic -- the opening of the building closes one chapter and opens another one.

"The dedication of this amazing facility in honor of the Davison family is a most fitting tribute to their decades of unwavering support and commitment to Louisiana Tech," said Louisiana Tech President Les Guice. "From academics and research to athletics and student success, the Davisons have contributed in countless ways to advancing our institution and advocating for its people, programs, and plans for the future. We are inspired by their passion for Louisiana Tech and truly grateful for their generosity."

The three-story facility was done the right way, with full attention given to every detail from the utilization of the space to the installation of amenities to the creation of the wall graphics to the selection of weight equipment and furniture.

"Today is the culmination of a lot of hard work and commitment by so many different people," said Tech Athletics Director Tommy McClelland. "When I was hired, it was made very clear to me that this building was the No.1 priority for athletics. It has been a labor of love for so many individuals, from donors to contractors to architects to our student-body to university and athletic staff. From all of the input we have received so far, it exceeds everyone's expectations. The final product is something we can all be proud of. We are so grateful to everyone who contributed to this facility becoming a reality."

In late June the announcement was made that the building would be named in honor of the Davison family -- beginning with Mr. and Mrs. Paul M. Davison and continuing with Mr. and Mrs. James E. Davison and their children -- who have long been among Louisiana Tech University's most generous, active, and impactful benefactors and advocates.

"Our family is very grateful to have been in a position to hopefully make a meaningful impact on our school with our investment in this building," said Steve Davison. "There were so many other individuals and families who made significant and sacrificial gifts in order to make this building a reality. We are so thankful to those partners in this project. Years from now, I think we will look back at this investment and agree that it was money very well spent."

The facility is the cornerstone of the Quest for Excellence capital campaign started back in 2010, a campaign that has raised more than $18.5 million in private donations. Some of this money has been spent on additional facility upgrades, renovations and additions throughout the Louisiana Tech Athletics Department.

In the spring of 2012, Louisiana Tech students overwhelmingly passed a new student fee and renewed a previous fee that supported the construction of the Davison Athletics Complex and improvements of several campus facilities, and provided for new recreational and outdoor classroom spaces. The student investment will yield great benefits as student and community groups utilize the great meeting space on the 3rd floor for special events ad programs.

A public viewing of the new facility will be scheduled in the coming weeks. Louisiana Tech fans attending Saturday's season opener against Southern will get an opportunity to experience the Davison Athletics Complex's impact on the game-day atmosphere at Joe Aillet Stadium.

Kickoff against the Jaguars is set for 6 p.m. and tickets can be purchased by calling 318-257-3631. Fans are encouraged to arrive at Joe Aillet Stadium early on Saturday as a huge crowd is expected for the game.