MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The public board teaming with the Minnesota Vikings to build a stadium in downtown Minneapolis has turned to a Wisconsin company to oversee the project.

The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority has chosen Madison, Wis.,-based Hammes Co. to serve as its representative on the project. In that role, Hammes will oversee project design and development.

A Minneapolis Star Tribune report says Hammes served a similar role in the construction or renovation of several other NFL stadiums in recent years. That includes the renovation of Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Hammes has pledged to commit 45,000 work hours to the Minneapolis project. The cost is not to exceed $7.8 million.

The new stadium will seat 65,000 people but could be expanded to accommodate 72,000 fans. It's expected to open by 2016.