Phillies Bring MLB Field of Dreams Magic to Iowa's Cornfields

DYERSVILLE, Iowa — The Philadelphia Phillies are trading the bright lights of the big city for the golden cornfields of rural Iowa this week, as Major League Baseball's beloved Field of Dreams Game returns for its third installment Thursday night.

The Phillies will face the Minnesota Twins at the iconic ballpark made famous by the 1989 film, with first pitch scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. The game, presented by John Deere, will stream exclusively on Netflix, bringing Iowa's agricultural heartland to a global audience.

A Bucket List Experience for Players and Fans Alike

For many players on both rosters, this trip marks their first visit to the Hawkeye State, and the excitement is palpable.

“I think it's going to be awesome,” said Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber. “I've never been out there before, so I'm excited to see the corn, see the field they actually filmed it at. Just to be in that atmosphere, I think it's going to be really cool.”

The game's signature moment comes when players emerge from the same cornfield where “Shoeless” Joe Jackson and other legends appeared in the film. Both teams will walk from the original movie field through the corn to the purpose-built MLB stadium, creating a nostalgic experience that harkens back to baseball's simpler roots.

“I know they're going to have a lot of different activities and things before the game that'll make it a little bit nostalgic and make it feel like you're playing back in the day,” Schwarber added. “So I feel like it'll be a really cool thing, and hopefully, we have a great time.”

Mattingly's Global Baseball Adventures Lead to Iowa

Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly is no stranger to marquee events. He served as the Yankees' hitting coach when they opened the 2004 season in Japan, managed the Dodgers for their 2014 season opener in Australia, and led the Marlins for a historic game at Fort Bragg in 2016.

“These games are fun for me,” Mattingly said. “It's somewhere different. It's something that you remember more vividly than you would just another game somewhere else.”

The baseball lifer is also a fan of the film that put Dyersville on the map, starring Kevin Costner and the late James Earl Jones.

“I think it's a great movie,” Mattingly said. “I like watching it. And I'm excited about going to Iowa.”

Iowa's Agricultural Heritage Takes Center Stage

The Field of Dreams Game is more than just a baseball contest; it's a celebration of Iowa's agricultural heritage and rural values. The partnership with John Deere, a company synonymous with American farming, underscores the deep connection between the sport and the heartland.

With more than 25 Hall of Famers expected to attend, the event promises to be a showcase for Iowa on the national stage, highlighting the state's unique character and its central role in American agriculture.

A Quick Stop Before the Series Continues in Minnesota

For the Phillies, the Iowa excursion is a brief but memorable detour. The club plans to fly to Minnesota immediately after the game to prepare for the weekend series against the Twins at Target Field.

Veteran right-hander Aaron Nola will take the mound for Philadelphia in the Field of Dreams matchup, and he's looking forward to the unique atmosphere.

“There's a lot of hype around the ballpark and the whole day, so I think that's going to be pretty cool,” Nola said. “And just to be able to go somewhere different. I don't think I've ever been to Iowa, so just excited to go there and see what it's all about.”

Asked if he's a fan of the movie, Nola smiled: “Oh, of course.”

Field of Dreams Game FAQ

When and where is the 2026 Field of Dreams Game?

The game takes place Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Field of Dreams site in Dyersville, Iowa, featuring the Phillies against the Twins.

How can I watch the Field of Dreams Game?

The game will stream exclusively on Netflix, marking the first MLB game to be broadcast on the platform.

Will players actually walk through the cornfield?

Yes, players from both teams will walk from the original movie field through the corn to the MLB-built stadium, recreating the iconic scene from the film.