Feb. 1 will be a crucial day in the development of the new $975 million Vikings Stadium.

On that day, the Minnesota Sports Facility Authority, which will own and operate the stadium, will choose a construction manager -- the folks that will actually build the structure.

Naming the construction firm was delayed a bit to "accommodate requests from proposers for more time to develop proposals," said MFSA Chair Michele Kelm-Helgen, in a statement.

The design of the stadium by architect HKS Sports & Entertainment will be unveiled in the spring, with a groundbreaking slated for the fall. The new facility is expected to open in time for the Vikings season in 2016.

Janet Moore covers commercial real estate for the Star Tribune.