25

Saturday

What with the Capitals playing thoroughly uninspired hockey—and the Wizards playing basketball as if they were thoroughly uninspired hockey players—the MCI Center hasn’t exactly been a hotbed of stand-and-cheer athleticism lately. But every so often—when errant pucks aren’t missing nets and mishandled balls aren’t clanging rims—the District’s premier entertainment showplace hosts some true sporting-world heroes. Tonight, whiny grown men will be replaced by effervescent teenage girls at the TJ Maxx 2000 Tour of World Gymnastics Champions. Tumbling Olympians Shannon Miller, Dominique Moceanu, and Vanessa Alter (plus some high-flying dudes from the U.S. Men’s team as well) will twirl, dance, jump, and flip all for your viewing pleasure. By the way, D.C. sports fans: In between the mounts and dismounts, please feel free to boo Juwan Howard. He may not be in attendance, but you never know when he might be listening. At 1 p.m. at the MCI Center, 601 F St. NW. $19.50-$45. (202) 432-7328. (Sean Daly)