In message , James Farrar
writes

The Dome had two possible purposes, between which the government
compromised, leading to something pointless. The purpose of sporting
facilities is self-defined.

As in "Pickett's Lock" ?

Anyway, I see London have won the bid - I'm sure it'll all be fun in
2012, but I am sure the cost (especially to Londoners) will be enormous
and, unlike Pickett's Lock, we won't have the option of pulling-out when
it all becomes too expensive.

--
Paul Terry