Get tickets for 'Press vs. Politicians' Spelling Bee, June 10

It's almost time for the National Press Club's much-loved "Press vs. Politicians" Spelling Bee on Wednesday, June 10, at 7 p.m. in the Club's Ballroom. 

Tickets are required. Click here to register.

Once described by the Capitol Hill newspaper Roll Call as "one of Washington's most beloved nerdfests," the event pits members of Congress against the reporters who cover them in a night of friendly competition. 

According to tradition, participants include members of Congress from both sides of the aisle, along with journalists from print and broadcast, whether Club members or not. The winner will take home the coveted "Press vs. Politicians" trophy, along with bragging rights.

Come see Rep. Hillary J. Scholten (Michigan), NPC Membership Secretary Katie Vogel, Rep. Don Beyer (Virginia), Rep. Sean Casten (Illinois) and Rep. Kevin Kiley (California) along with others test their spelling prowess. More are being added (check back here).

The bee is open to all -- and it might even be an exercise in civic engagement for Club members to invite the public to see how journalists and politicians, being actual people, not straw beings to be ridiculed when they speak inconvenient truths, can work side by side, even in friendly competition.

The first similar event was held in 1913, with newly elected President Woodrow Wilson in the audience for the inaugural showdown, which was won by members of the House and Senate. The spelling bee was reinstated on its 100th anniversary in 2013 and has become a Washington tradition since. 

Scripps National Spelling Bee provides the words, pronouncer and judges. 

Proceeds from the competition evening support the Club's nonprofit affiliate, the National Press Club Journalism Institute.