WFAA to host and broadcast 66th Dallas Regional Spelling Bee

DALLAS — WFAA and the Dallas Sports Commission are joining forces to host the 66th annual Dallas Regional Spelling Bee, according to a news release issued Tuesday.

According to the release:

WFAA will host the Bee at its studios in downtown Dallas on March 9, 2024, and produce the Bee’s broadcast airing on WFAA’s free streaming app, WFAA+, on Thursday, April 18, at 7 p.m.  WFAA+ is available on Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV. 

The Dallas Sports Commission is the official partner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee and retains bee operations in the partnership.  

“WFAA is proud to renew its partnership with the Dallas Sports Commission bringing the Dallas Regional Spelling Bee back home to WFAA,” said Carolyn Mungo, WFAA’s Vice President and Station Manager. 

“We’re eager to share the Bee with new audiences nationwide on our WFAA+ streaming platform so families anywhere can cheer for their favorite spellers!”, Mungo said. 

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"We are thrilled WFAA is partnering with the Dallas Sports Commission to showcase the talent, knowledge and discipline of these exceptional young spellers participating in the Dallas Regional Spelling Bee," said Monica Paul, Executive Director, Dallas Sports Commission.  

"WFAA is providing an outstanding platform to recognize these extraordinary students as they compete to represent Dallas at the Scripps National Spelling Bee." 

More than 800 schools are enrolled in this year’s Dallas Regional Spelling Bee. Approximately 450 schools are in Dallas County, 150 in Collin County, and 115 in Denton County. 

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The top two finalists from the Dallas Regional Spelling Bee receive all-expenses paid trips to the Washington, D.C., area compliments of Southwest Airlines, the official travel partner of the Dallas Regional Spelling Bee, to participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee from May 26 through June 2, 2024. 

WFAA will provide an overflow room for press interested in covering the event. Interview requests will be handled by the Dallas Sports Commission. 

This story has been updated to reflect a new broadcast date.