No Nuts, Please; Peanut-Free Games Set for May 9 and 10
Published on April 24, 2012 under Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release
COMSTOCK PARK, MI - Baseball fans with peanut allergies can feel safe attending two upcoming West Michigan Whitecaps games, as the Whitecaps host their 10th annual Peanut Free games on Wednesday, May 9 and Thursday, May 10.
Ten years ago, Whitecaps management responded to the request of a parent with an allergic son and hosted what would become a popular annual event - Peanut Free Day. Peanut allergies are one of the Big Eight food allergies that collectively account for 90% of the allergies suffered by 21 million Americans. More than 3 million people in the U.S. are allergic to peanuts and/or tree nuts, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. Nearly nine percent of children under the age of 18 suffer from food allergies, with peanuts being the most prevalent allergen. Peanut allergy doubled in children from 1997 to 2002. For these people, being around a peanut or even a peanut shell can be life threatening.
In preparation for the Peanut Free games, the Whitecaps will thoroughly clean all fan access areas including the seating areas, concourse and restrooms to remove any peanut residue. During the games, peanuts and any products containing peanuts or tree nuts (including roasted almonds, M&M's, nutty cones, sunflower seeds and nut topping for the soft serve ice cream) will be pulled from the concessions menus.
"These are important days for us," said Matt Timon, Whitecaps Director of Food and Beverage. "Our vendors who sell peanuts and other peanut products have been incredibly supportive and they're just as excited as we are to be able to offer this opportunity to people who would not normally be able to come to the ballpark."
On Wednesday, May 9, gates open at 5:35 p.m. and gametime is 6:35 p.m. against the Great Lakes Loons, and on Thursday, May 10, gates open at 9:30 a.m. for the special 11 a.m. School Day matinee.
Tickets are on sale now for Peanut Free games and all other Whitecaps games, and can be purchased by visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com, by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131, or in person at the Whitecaps box office (open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday). Regular ticket prices are $14.00 for premium box seats, $12.00 for box seats, $10.50 for reserved seats including the Gentex Family Section, and $6.00 for McCain Foods Lawn seating. Children 2 and under are free.
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