The council plans to invite firms to prequalify for the two-stage design and build process on 12 January with the aim of starting construction a year later.
The city mayor has already launched an international competition to design the arena and AECOM is on board as cost consultant and employer’s agent.
UK architects Grimshaw, Wilkinson Ayre, Populous, Spanish firm IDOM and Scandinavia’s White Arkitekter have all been shortlisted.
The council aims to borrow £53m against its City Deal and raise the remaining £38m from the arena operator and car parking income.
Anyone wishing to attend the bidders day on 28 January must contact Andrea Vasconcelos by email to book a place.