Yet another American football venue with budget close to $ 1 billion. This time it's Minneapolis who plan to follow Dallas and Indianapolis as they appoint the same architects...

By the end of the year we should also know the general contractor, but so far it's all about design. Last Friday Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) announced their selection in the architectural bid.

Among five bidders were market leaders and favourites – Populous – with other renowned firms like HNTB Ewing Cole and AECOM. But none of them made impression like HKS Architects did. The Texas-based practice wasn't the cheapest contender, but as MSFA inform, they're the „best value for money” with the contract being worth $34 million.

MSFA Chair Michele Kelm-Helgen seemed very excited with the selection, refering to Cowboys Stadium and Lucas Oil Dome – most recent and most spectacular stadiums by HKS. "We feel we got the best firm at the best price," she said.

The new stadium is expected to cost $975 million with 65,000 capacity and closed roof. Early images by HKS can be seen below, though the final design will surely differ, following one of the proposed directions.

Photo: HKS Architects

Photo: HKS Architects