The Scripps National Spelling Bee kicks off its preliminary rounds on Tuesday in Washington, DC, featuring nearly 250 young spellers aged 9 to 15. This year marks a significant change as the competition returns to its original location after 15 years in Maryland. Executive Director Corrie Loeffler expressed excitement about the move back to DC, highlighting the opportunity for spellers to experience the city's monuments and museums firsthand. The event will be held at Constitution Hall, a historic venue that has served as a backdrop for various films and TV shows. Additionally, the Bee will have a new host, Mina Kimes from ESPN, who brings her own background in spelling competitions and admiration for the spellers' talent. The finals are scheduled for Thursday night, live on ION at 8 p.m. ET, promising an exciting conclusion to this year's competition.