MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The architect who designed the stadiums for the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts has been chosen to design the Minnesota Vikings' new stadium.

The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority announced the $34 million contract Friday with HKS Sports & Entertainment Group.

Authority Chairwoman Michelle Kelm-Helgen says the stadium authority and the Vikings made the choice together.

HKS beat out four other firms bidding to design the $975 million stadium on the site of the Metrodome, the team's current home on the eastern edge of downtown Minneapolis.

Groundbreaking on the new stadium is expected next year, with a goal of opening by 2016.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved)

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