Baseball fans with gluten intolerance will have the chance to safely indulge in some traditional ballpark fare at the second annual Gluten-Free Awareness Night at Safeco Field.
On Friday, August 26, when the Seattle Mariners take on the Chicago White Sox (7:10 p.m. start), people who eat a gluten-free diet will not only get a discount on tickets to sit together as a group, there will also be a nearby concession stand stocked with food items that fit their dietary restrictions. Discount tickets for the special Gluten-Free section are $15 each (regularly $22) and are available online only at www.mariners.com/glutenfree. Deadline to purchase tickets for the special section is noon, Thursday, August 25. Four dollars from the purchase of each ticket will go to the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America, a non-profit advocacy organization.
Safeco Field already features a number of gluten-free options at concession stands such as fish and chips at Sound Seafood at Section 248 that are made with rice flour, as well as Mariner Dogs, turkey, bacon, Swiss and avocado sandwiches, vegan soup, hummus platter, veggie burgers, veggie dogs, and a variety of snacks, all available at The Natural stand near Section 131 on the Main Concourse. Gluten-free Redbridge beer, made from sorghum, is available at several concession stands around the ballpark.
Gluten is the protein part of wheat, rye, barley, and other related grains. Some people cannot tolerate gluten when it comes in contact with the small intestine. This can lead to minor discomfort or the more serious Celiac disease, an inherited autoimmune disease that affects multiple systems in the body with a variety of symptoms. It is believed that 1 in 200 people has Celiac disease and as many as 1 in 7 has gluten intolerance.
Representatives of the Gluten Intolerance Group will be outside Section 319 to answer questions about the condition. The group is a leader in patient and professional support nationally through outreach programs and services. GIG fulfills its mission of supporting persons living with gluten intolerances through programs directed to consumers, health professionals and the public. GIG programs provide support and education, awareness and advocacy, research awareness and support.
6 comments
Debbie Canfield says:
Aug 15, 2011
This is so awesome! I wish I was still in the Seattle area to join in. I love the Mariners and it’s so cool to me that Safeco has gluten free options for the fans. It means so much to those of us that have to be gluten-free that you think of us. Thank you!!
Jarod Campbell says:
Aug 15, 2011
in canada the celiac groups have 3-4 large get togethers a year and emails are sent out whenever anything is learned about
Janet Kaiser Warns says:
Aug 15, 2011
My husband asked if we need to drive from Chicago to Seattle to attend this event!! :) Hope to see more stadiums participate in these types of events.
Jarod Campbell says:
Aug 15, 2011
yup, its still grown a huge amount in the 8 years since i was dignosed
Kevin Kilpatrick says:
Aug 16, 2011
Citified (Mets) and Citizens Bank BallPark (Phillies) have done this as well.
Rockies have a full g/f stand.
Beth Pofahl says:
Aug 16, 2011
Seattle’s got to be one of the best places for celiacs