DYERSVILLE, Iowa — Perhaps the biggest game of the Major League Baseball season is happening Thursday night, and Iowa is playing host.
The Field of Dreams in Dyersville between the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees starts at 6 p.m. CT. The town is holding a watch party, with only 8,000 fans allowed at the new stadium next to the famous movie site.
Kevin Costner, the start of the 1989 film, even came to Dyersville.
And fans from all over the country and filling the stands.
“They built it, so we came, we came,” one fan said.
“It’s the first time ever that Major League Baseball will have a major league game in the state of Iowa so I had to come all the way from Seattle,” another said.
Other fans traveled from Indiana, plus Illinois.
But there’s no shortage of Iowans soaking up the historic matchup.
“It’s awe-inspiring, it’s like a dream,” a spectator told Local 5. “I can’t imagine the work that went into making this happen for the city council folks like that, the volunteers, this is enormous.”
America’s pastime taking center stage in Dyersville.
“Well they deserve it, people of Iowa are good people and they deserve it. They work hard, it’s nice to see them in the spotlight,” one man said.
It’s as pure as Major League Baseball can get, and fans are all for it.
And the themes of the Field of Dreams will stretch from the cornfield in right field to the bleachers along third base. None bigger than family.
“I purchased tickets for me and my son. He’s my only child and this is a once-in-a-lifetime event to go to … it’s going to be something that he’s going to remember for the rest of his life.”
For at least one night more, Iowa is heaven for baseball fans.
Starting Lineups
VISITOR — 63-51, 3rd place in the American League East
STARTING PITCHER: Andrew Heaney
HOME — 67-48, 1st place in the American League Central
STARTING PITCHER: Lance Lynn
Watch more MLB Field of Dreams game videos on YouTube