The Field of Dreams game — one of the most anticipated games in recent baseball memory — is coming to Dyersville, Iowa, on Aug. 12. Chicago’s White Sox will take on the Yankees.
The good news is it will count as a regular-season MLB game, and fans will be able to attend.
Iowans can register for Field of Dreams game tickets right now via a lottery for a chance to attend, and the winners will be announced on Aug. 2. Though a fair warning: Winning the lottery means that you’ll only have a chance to purchase Field of Dreams game tickets.
The MLB’s official website says registration is only open to people with an Iowa address, but White Sox season ticket holders also received an email with an invitation to enter the lottery. No credit card info is required upon registration.
Here’s what else you need to know about the Field of Dreams game.
White Sox Field of Dreams game information
The White Sox will serve as the “home” team against the Yankees, and the game will count in the standings. Therefore, the White Sox will play one fewer home game at Guaranteed Rate Field this season.
The first pitch of the game is set for 6:15 p.m. CST. The game will air nationally on Fox.
The ballfield will be regulation MLB dimensions and near the Field of Dreams movie site, and about 8,000 fans will be able to attend. It is built, and the fans can come.
Check out this sneak peek of the field:
See you next season, Iowa.
The Field of Dreams is scheduled for 2021. pic.twitter.com/CpCcsuy5Iy
— MLB (@MLB) November 23, 2020
Why the White Sox and Yankees?
The game is inspired by the iconic 1989 film starring Kevin Costner. And, if you’ve seen the movie, it makes sense why the Sox were chosen.
“Shoeless Joe” Jackson and other members of the 1919 Black Sox team are heavily featured in the film. As for the Yankees, well, they are the Yankees. Obviously, MLB and Fox want to get as many eyes on the game as possible.
The White Sox and Yankees were originally set to square off in Iowa in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the game back a year.
This will be the first-ever MLB regular-season game to take place in Iowa. The Chicago Cubs’ Triple-A affiliate the Iowa Cubs play in Des Moines, however.
Can you bet on the Field of Dreams game in Illinois?
Yes, you’ll be able to bet on the Field of Dreams game at Illinois sportsbooks. Here are the latest Field of Dreams odds:
In-person registration in IL is back, so if you haven’t already registered, you would need to visit a retail sportsbook first. Folks in Iowa will also be able to bet on the game in the Hawkeye State, as there are even more sports betting apps in Iowa than in Illinois.
How about them White Sox?
The White Sox are in the midst of their best season since 2005. Chicago is 20 games over .500 and holds an 8.5 game lead in the AL Central. The Sox also have the best record in the American League as of this writing.
The Yankees, meanwhile, have been one of the most disappointing teams in baseball in 2021. New York is 48-44, but is 7.5 games out of first place in the AL East.
Still, the Bronx Bombers are in the playoff race, and every August game figures to be crucial for them. There’s a reasonable chance that the Field of Dreams game is a lot more important for the Yankees than the White Sox.
With that said, New York swept Chicago in a series earlier this season at Yankee Stadium. At the very least, the Sox will want to show out against one of the most high-profile teams in the league on a big stage.
If the White Sox keep their current starting rotation order, Dylan Cease will get the ball in the Field of Dreams game. However, a lot can change this far in advance.