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Indy Indians host first Peanut Allergy Awareness Night

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indians return from an 11-day road trip Wednesday, but a ball park staple will be missing from Victory Field.

It’s the first Peanut Allergy Awareness Night at Victory Field and that means anything with products tied to peanuts will be eliminated for the night.

That includes Cracker Jacks, peanut M&M’s, some ice-cream toppings and it even means you cannot bring any peanut snacks into lawn seating area.

Indians staff want to make sure folks know about this, so if you do have a peanut allergy you can make special effort to safely attend the game Wednesday and so those who do not suffer from the health issue know to expect a change in the menu offerings.

Peanut allergies have gained some attention in recent years. Doctors say the number of children diagnosed has more than tripled just since 1997.

Last fall the advocacy group, Food Allergy Research & Education or “FARE” started the Teal Pumpkin Project to build awareness around trick-or-treating. Those who place a teal pumpkin outside their home offered non-food related treats like spider rings or bouncy balls.

Pediatricians for Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health say one in 13 children now suffer from peanut allergies. They say it’s hard to tell if doctors are just doing a better job at diagnosing the condition or if the allergy numbers are really on the rise.

The Indians take on the Louisville Bats at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday. Tickets are still available.