"Is this heaven?." "No, it's Iowa!"
Those were the infamous lines of Ray Liotta and Kevin Costner in 'Field of Dreams' from 1989.
If you haven't seen the movie, it's about a farmer from Iowa (Costner) who hears mysterious voices. One night, the voice says, "If you build it, he will come."
The farmer answers the 'voice' by building a baseball pitch on his land. The ghosts of great players start emerging to play on it.
I won't spoil anything further just in case you bought the VHS when it came out in 1992 and haven't had a chance to watch it yet.
Why are we talking about a movie from 1989? 'Field of Dreams' has been enjoying a renewed lease of life; thanks to Major League Baseball.
Here's a look at the stadium @Populous built for this year's Field of Dreams Game, taking place on August 12 at the site where the movie was filmed. The Yankees will play the White Sox. pic.twitter.com/rjPl575X0C
— Alicia Jessop (@RulingSports) August 3, 2021
The MLB is the number one baseball organisation in the world, home to iconic franchises such as the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.
Given the cultural and historical significance of 'Field of Dreams' - the MLB have decided to play a game right next to the original baseball field used in the movie.
During filming, the movie was shot at two separate farm locations. They belonged to farmers Don Lansing and Al Ameskamp - both in Dyersville, Iowa.
After the film ceased production, Ameskamp covered the baseball field on his land with corn. Don Lansing was smart and kept his land as a tourist attraction.
For the best part of twenty years, Don Lansing ran his farm as a popular tourist haven. He didn't charge an admission fee or for parking, just making money on his souvenir shop.
The 'Field of Dreams' venue was one of Iowa's top tourist attractions, as many baseball fans and movie buffs felt a sentimental value to the site.
In 2010, Lansing sold his land containing the 'field' for over $5 million. A nice bit of smart business for the former corn farmer.
Fast forward to 2019 and the MLB announced they were going to hold an actual game right next to the original site owned by Lansing.
Thursday, the Yankees and White Sox travel to Iowa at the site of the most beloved baseball movie of all time to play a historic match-up on the real Field of Dreams. The MLB Field of Dreams Game presented by Geico, coverage begins Thursday at 6pm on #FOX8 and the FOX Sports App. pic.twitter.com/6bireAuhEg
— WWCP FOX 8 (@MYFOX8TV) August 8, 2021
Due to complications with Covid-19, the game has been delayed until 2021. Now, on Thursday, the Chicago White Sox will play the New York Yankees in Dyersville, Iowa.
The MLB have constructed an 8,000 seater stadium next to the former corn farm with a pathway connecting the two grounds.
It's been a surreal two years of build-up for residents of Dyersville, who only have a population of 4,000. The U.S. city only has three hotels in total.
The local residents have seen a huge surge in business from the event, with website hits for local enterprises increasing by 120%.
It's a heart warming story. From Hollywood to the MLB. It all takes place just past midnight on Thursday Irish time.
See Also: The L.A. Lakers Now Have One Of The Oldest Rosters In NBA History
