No peanuts or Cracker Jack in special Mariners section Sunday

There won’t be any peanuts or Cracker Jack at the old ball game Sunday at Safeco Field, and that’s good news for Mariners fans who usually have to stay away because of peanut allergies.

The Mariners are once again setting aside special sections for the first of four peanut controlled games, as the Mariners take on the Texas Rangers. It’s something they’ve done since 2008, when a Tacoma father whose son has a severe peanut allergy suggested the team designate the sections so his son could enjoy the game.

“It’s proven to be extremely popular over the years,” says Mariners spokesperson Rebecca Hale. “We have families coming from all over, including one from Montana that comes back every year.”

“We love it,” says Seattle mom Erin Hayes, whose 13-year-old son Max Berndt has a severe peanut allergies.

“We usually have to be so careful because Max could get really sick, and with peanuts all over the place at the games, it’s virtually impossible to avoid them. This lets us relax and enjoy the game,” she says.

The designated sections are thoroughly cleaned prior to the game. Fans are prohibited from bringing any peanut products into the area. Nearby concession stands don’t sell any products containing peanuts during the game.

“It just makes us feel really good to know we’re able to share the major league experience with those who might not otherwise be able to attend,” Hale says.

Food allergies are a widespread and growing problem. Researchers estimate up to 15 million Americans have food allergies. The Centers for Disease Control says the potentially deadly disease affects one in every 13 children under 18 years of age in the United States. And the number of children with food allergies has nearly doubled since 1997. Peanuts are the most prevalent allergen.

“I have to be really careful,” Max says. “But I’ve lived with it my whole life, so I just keep a close eye out and bring my own food with me to events like baseball games.”

Food allergies send more than 200,000 people to the emergency room every year – with someone seeking treatment every three minutes. Reactions can range from mild responses such as an itchy mouth to anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially deadly reaction, according to Food Allergy Research and Education.

The peanut controlled games are also a chance for friends and families to enjoy the experience without worrying about someone accidentally getting exposed, and spend quality time with others in the same situation.

“We really enjoy being able to talk to other people who know what it’s like to deal with food allergies, and everyone feels like they have something in common,” Erin says.

In addition to Sunday’s game, the three other peanut controlled dates are:

• Saturday, June 28 vs. Cleveland Indians, 7:10pm start
• Tuesday, July 22 vs. New York Mets, 7:10pm start
• Friday, August 8 vs. Chicago White Sox, 7:10pm start

You can buy tickets to the games here.