Fenway Park does it again - providing a 2nd peanut-free section this season!

Hurray for Fenway Park! Peanuts were banned last Sunday from an entire 226-person section of the ballpark for the second time this season as part of a growing effort to accommodate fans with allergies.

The seats are washed, swept, inspected, and swept again, adhering to cleaning guidelines from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, New England Chapter. Signs posted last Sunday made a simple request: “Thank you for not eating peanuts and Cracker Jacks.’’ Last Sunday, ballpark greeters stood at the entrance to the section and acted as peanut police, alerting fans of the ban.

A critical-care nurse and an emergency room doctor stood in the aisle with stethoscopes dangling from their necks and an extra supply of EpiPens — syringes filled with epinephrine to treat severe allergic reactions. The medical staff on duty said they have never had to use an EpiPen during an allergy friendly game, but it offers piece of mind for parents.

What an amazing effort! There are 500 families on the waiting list for these tickets. Read the full story here.

Nearly half of Major League Baseball teams set aside seats for at least one game without peanuts. Unfortunately the Cincinnati Reds are not one of these teams. Hopefully we can change that - please see my previous posts about the Reds and Peanut-Free nights, and join our facebook page!

Reds say no to peanut-free baseball (again)

I contacted the Reds again this year, about the possibility of a peanut-free section for one game. Here is the email I received today, from Sean Brown, Director of Ballpark Operations:

Ms. H,

This offseason, we reviewed the policies other clubs have in place for their peanut free or peanut sensitive areas.

In doing so, we discovered that it would not be advantageous for the Reds or for the families of those affected by a peanut allergy, to host such an area within the ballpark.

I apologize we cannot accommodate your request or that of your children.

Thanks,
Sean

There are other Major and Minor League teams that are providing peanut-free sections for games, so please check Peanut Free Baseball for a list of teams and games in your area.

Cincinnati Reds respond to peanut-free request

The Reds responded to my inquiry regarding a peanut-free (or peanut-controlled) section during one of their games. They basically said no...but they did send the girls a really cool package! They were so excited when it came in the mail. It contained kid-sized Reds Snuggies, baseball cards, book covers, magnets, and stuffed monkeys with Reds and Chiquita banana logos. I really appreciated that they took the time to send us something.

Here is the response I received:

Ms. H,
As you already know, we do not have a peanut free zone at Great American Ball Park. We have previously looked into this idea, but even if we are able to create a peanut free suite, we cannot guarantee a peanut free path to the suite, nor could we guarantee that our ventilation system was free of any peanut dust. The same issues would arise if we established a seating area as peanut free. Even if we could guarantee a path into the ballpark, we could not keep a breeze from off the river from blowing peanut dust into the established peanut free zone. I know other teams have established “Peanut Free” areas, but in talking with some of these teams, I would consider them “peanut sensitive” areas. I would consider the Padres a “peanut sensitive” area.

It is unfortunate we are unable to accommodate those with a peanut allergy. I know that this can be a very sensitive allergy for many and we do not want to put anyone in harms way. If we do decide we are able to offer a peanut free or peanut sensitive zone in the future, I will keep your information on file and will be sure to contact you directly. I can assure you that you are not alone. If you could let me know your address, I would like to send your child a care package to keep him a Reds fan until we can find a solution to our peanut allergy dilemma.

Thanks,
Sean Brown - Director of Ballpark Operations

Sean and I have continued to exchange emails about this, and I hope we can eventually come up with a 'peanut-controlled' area for one or two games.