UW ATHLETICS, FAAW PARTNERING ON ALLERGY FRIENDLY EVENTS
For many sports fans, watching a sporting event and eating peanuts
go hand in hand. But for children with food allergies, watching a
game in close proximity to nuts can turn a fun event into a
difficult and even life threatening experience.
To help create a safe and fun environment for those dealing with
food allergies, the Food Allergy Association of Wisconsin (FAAW)
has partnered with the UW Athletic Department to create two
“Allergy Friendly” Badger games at the Kohl Center this winter.
The events mark the second year of the partnership. Madison.
Modeled after similar events held by the Minnesota Twins and other
professional sports franchises, UW Athletics will make a number of
special accommodations, including restricting the sales of peanuts
and concessions items containing nuts, and taking special cleaning
measures.
Both the women's basketball game That was in December, and the
women's hockey game vs. North Dakota at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February, 13
have both been designated as "Allergy Friendly”.
During the two events, all concession stands at the Kohl Center
will remove food items that could induce an allergic reaction
including: shelled and un-shelled peanuts, candy with nuts, caramel
corn with nuts and ice cream with nut products.
Patrons with food allergy concerns can also view an ingredient list
for the concession stands' most popular food items. In addition,
certain sections will receive an elevated level of cleaning to
ensure a safer environment for affected patrons to sit in.
FAAW advocates on behalf of Madison and Dane County families with
food allergies, holding events and coordinating educational
efforts. Those affected by food allergies can suffer life-
threatening reactions if they accidentally ingest, or come in
contact with, certain foods.
The group is especially grateful to UW Athletics for this fan-
friendly stance, says Sheree' Godwin, president of the group.
“Nut allergies are a serious and life-threatening concern,” says
Sheree’ Godwin. “The hundreds of families in our organization
continue to be thankful to UW Athletics for their understanding and
support.”
Despite these accommodations, fans with food allergies are still
encouraged to use normal precautions, as these designated games
cannot be guaranteed to be 100 percent allergy free.
Families with food allergies are being offered a special ticket
offer for each game. For this special event, adult ticket prices
will be priced at [$1 and $1 for both youth/senior tickets.] This
offer is only available online by visiting uwbadgers.com, clicking
on the Badger Ticket Center and entering promotional code ALLERGY.
This offer is not available on game day.
For More information about FAAW Visit:
http://www.foodallergywis.org/
