Everything you need to know about MLB's Field of Dreams game

Why in the world would Major League Baseball teams head to Iowa for a regular season game?

The answer, of course, comes in the quote every boy who’s ever played catch with his dad can recite from memory: “If you build it, he will come.”

The Field of Dreams game is scheduled to return after a COVID-induced hiatus on Thursday, Aug. 12. Here’s everything you need to know about the contest!

WHAT IS THE FIELD OF DREAMS GAME?

The Chicago White Sox will meet the New York Yankees in Dyersville, roughly 10 miles west of Dubuque, on a field constructed to pay homage to the 1989 film Field of Dreams. Because of the franchise’s role in the movie, which featured ghosts from the scandal-ridden "Black Sox," Chicago will be the home team.

WHY DID THEY BUILD A BASEBALL STADIUM IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE?

Field of Dreams features Ray Kinsella, played by Kevin Costner, plowing over part of his corn field to construct a baseball diamond. Among others, the movie sees him meet troubled writer Terrence Mann, played by James Earl Jones, and ballplayer-turned-doctor Archie "Moonlight" Graham, played by both Burt Lancaster and Frank Whaley, as his debts mount and he becomes pressured to sell the farm.

The climax, of course, comes when Ray meets his estranged father, catcher John Kinsella. After a brief conversation, Ray asks his father to have the catch he wouldn’t have as a kid…and someone needs to stop chopping onions immediately.

WHO GETS TO ATTEND?

A lottery was held among Iowa residents who signed up during the month of July. Winners have been notified and will be allowed to purchase up to two tickets apiece for the game, which is expected to host 8,000 fans.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT AT THE GAME?

If the dimensions are any indication, expect plenty of homers. It’s just 300 feet from home plate to left field and 315 to right. Furthermore, the distance to dead center field is approximately 350 feet, so pitchers will certainly be challenged to keep the ball in the park.

HOW CAN WE WATCH THE GAME?

The Field of Dreams Game will be broadcast on Fox. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Central time.