HOST THE WORLD CUP IN THE METRODOME. Dennis Coates of The Sports Economist asks readers to weigh the costs and benefits, including the possible use of public money, of successfully bidding for the World Cup of men's soccer. (The women's tournament has taken place in the U.S., to the delight of suburban eight year old girls countrywide).

Yet before deciding to allocate scarce public resources to the event we need to take a step back from the excitement of the South African games – which have run into many problems of their own.– and carefully consider the justifications for hosting the event and whether doing so is the right decision for the country.

The proposing cities apparently are more interested in the prestige than in the costs.

So, we have economic impact projections of dubious value and no information on costs. Nothing necessary to make a rational, informed decision is available. Before cities across the country and the nation commit irreversibly to the World Cup bid, decision-makers need all the necessary information.

Is it relevant that Minnesota Viking fans have their own version of the vuvuzela?