Inside Netflix’s Field of Dreams Face-Off in Iowa: “A Magical Moment”

The Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville, Iowa, roared back to life last Thursday to host upwards of 8,000 fans, 26 Hall of Famers and VIPs like Theo Von to take in Major League Baseball ‘s regular season matchup between the Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins. The high-profile outing, presented by John Deere and streamed live on Netflix , marked only the third MLB game to be played on the grounds where director Phil Alden Robinson filmed the beloved 1989 sports drama starring Kevin Costner. Related Stories General News Theo Von Takes Break From Field of Dreams Game to Talk Road Trips, Staying Healthy And Loving Iowa Movies Patrick Renna on 'The Sandlot' Fame and "Once in a Lifetime" Trip to Field of Dreams Game in Iowa

But it was the first in four years and the first to take place inside a newly constructed, permanent stadium adjacent to the movie’s original baseball field and farmhouse. True to its inspiration, it’s also framed by meticulously arranged cornrows, which guests passed through in order to access the stadium. The wait only served to amp up the anticipation, and one could feel the excitement on the grounds as gates opened for press and special guests hours ahead of the 6:30 p.m. start time. It also helped that rain clouds that had been dumping on Iowa all week dried up just in the nick of time.

The movie site filled up first as fans flocked to take photographs of the scene and mingle with “ghost” players who were keen to play catch (with gloves and balls available to use free of charge). Star players from the Phillies and Twins also roamed the field freely with families, friends and fellow players. It was a uniquely special sight that even saw Phillies managing partner and chief executive officer John Middleton hitting the infield to play catch with his grandsons.

It was a pinch-me day for Phillies player and Iowa native Derek Hill, who hails from Des Moines. “It means a lot to me to be here, but I think it means more to the state by bringing the recognition,” he told The Hollywood Reporter . “Seeing all these people out here enjoying the game of baseball and tying it back to the movie, it’s incredible.”

Hill has seen the film “countless times” over the course of his 30 years, joking that he “probably watched it the day I was born with my pops.” The film is currently on Netflix, and the streamer must have seen a bit of a surge in viewership, as nearly every person THR encountered at the field said they watched it again in recent days or weeks leading up to the game.

“I watched it on an airplane the other day because I knew we were coming here,” Von told THR from his seat mid-game. “I wanted to relight the candle a little bit. It’s a nice story about a father-son that really brings people together. I’ve run into some fathers and sons here at the ballpark today, so that’s been really cool and kind of heartwarming to see.”

Hollywood has had a rough go in recent years, so it’s heartwarming for many industry insiders to hear just how alive the legacy is for one of its exports, especially after the passing of decades.