When the average American thinks of food offerings at a baseball game the usual association they make is to a ball park hot dog and Cracker Jacks. For centuries, baseball stadiums have derived a good chunk of their income by providing these classic food choices to the hoards of fans spending the day in the sun cheering on their favorite teams.

As my husband and I were getting ready to attend our first Nats game this season, it hit me that I hadn’t been to a game since I began my gluten free lifestyle. Hm, I thought, this might definitely pose a problem. Out of the usual classic baseball food offerings, none of them fell under the gluten free category.

Falling back on the ever trusty Google search engine, I was happy to discover that Nats stadium has actually thought of the gluten free population. They now have an entire gluten free concession stand by Gate 136. They offer gluten free hot dogs (including GF buns), nachos, BBQ pulled pork, a caramel popcorn mix, and even gluten free beer! They have really gone out of their way to make it so a gluten free individual can still enjoy the game without feeling like they are missing out on part of the experience.

I was also happy to discover that in addition to gluten free offerings, they have expanded their food  choices substantially. They cater to a variety of dietary restrictions including offering vegetarian options and even a Kosher concession stand! Fans are also no longer tied to just the unhealthy fast food options. There is a Healthy Options concession stand by Gate 114 with offerings like salads, wraps and grilled veggies.

Choice is a valuable commodity, folks. And it is comforting to know that as baseball has evolved over the years, so have the food offerings. So now thanks to the Nationals, when fans go to the stadium the ones who still crave that traditional experience with a ballpark frank and Cracker Jacks can still get it. But the ones who’d like to instead dig into a healthy salad and not tank their diet for the day can also enjoy that choice instead. And I’d say, that is a Home Run!

-Guest Blogger, Joyana Peters McMahon (JPM) of Gluten Free NOVA Girl