The Kansas City Royals said on Thursday that they would offer special events at select games for those with severe peanut allergies.
The announcement was a victory for Janna Miller of Knob Noster, Mo.
In March, Miller started a Facebook group to encourage allergy-sensitive events at Royals games after noticing none listed on this season’s schedule.
Her son, Weston, was diagnosed with a severe peanut allergy when he was three.
Weston, who is now 10, had been to peanut-free events at Royals games in previous years, and said he wanted to be able to go to games again.
“It’s just that it’s not fair for the kids who are special, like me,” Weston said.
Royals Director of Guest Services Anthony Mozzicato said Thursday that the team had offered the peanut-friendly events as recently as last season, but that they had drawn few fans.
This season brought a renewed demand from those with allergies and their families.
“We want to be able to help those individuals, which it’s a child or an adult, have an opportunity to watch baseball games,” said Mozzicato.
The Royals are still determining event details. Mozzicato said the events would likely take place in a suite to keep guests isolated from nuts. The events may include a special menu and medical attendant on standby.
Mozzicato acknowledged the extra provisions would carry added costs.
“We’re trying to determine the lowest possible ticket price to make it very affordable still,” he explained.
The events will require a waiver for those attending.
A waiver is not a problem for the Millers, who say they accept the risks that come with taking their son to public places.
“Day-to-day,” said Eric Miller, who is Weston’s father, “With a severe or anaphylactic allergy, you’re taking a risk when you step outside of the house. Nothing is guaranteed.”
Prior to Thursday’s announcement, Janna Miller expressed hope that baseball could be separated from the iconic food, which fans even sing about in “Take Me Out To The Ballgame.”
“We’ll still sing the song, but it doesn’t mean that we’re going to be eating peanuts,” said Miller.
The Royals will announce the dates for the allergy-sensitive events in the next few days.
