I actually work in a relatively new complex where gum and sunflower seeds are prohibited in the dugouts. I couldn't figure it out either, but the only thing that comes to mind is that the dugouts are sunken (like MLB dugouts) and they don't have a cleaning crew between games. I have no idea why as I always thought the gum/seeds were part of the game too.
However, in the little over a year that this place has been open I've
never seen
anyone eating sunflower seeds
(if you're catching my drift.)
