Who owns the Field of Dreams property now?

By Oliver Wiener April 09, 2024 18:13

Photo by AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File

The Field of Dreams, made famous by the 1989 movie of the same name, has undergone a significant transformation under new ownership.

The property, located in Dyersville, Iowa, has seen a substantial investment of $80 million for expansion, which is set to include various amenities and facilities.

New Ownership and Vision for Expansion

The iconic Field of Dreams property is now owned and operated by Go the Distance Baseball, LLC, a venture led by Frank Thomas, a White Sox Hall of Famer, and a group of partners, including Chicago real estate developer Rick Heidner.

This group purchased a controlling interest in Go the Distance Baseball, the company that owns and operates the site, with a vision to transform it into a premier youth baseball and softball destination.

Expansion Plans

The new ownership has initiated an $80 million expansion plan, which includes the addition of nearly 100 acres to the existing 190-acre property. The planned expansion encompasses the following key elements:

Nine new fields for youth softball and baseball
A 104-room boutique hotel
A 100,000-square-foot field house
An RV park
An outdoor concert amphitheater
Jogging trails through the cornfields
A sprawling park designed to be inclusive for children and adults with disabilities

Emphasis on Community and Inclusivity

The development plan also highlights a strong emphasis on community engagement and inclusivity.

The expanded site is designed to cater to players, families, fans, and tourists from around the world, aiming to create a welcoming environment for individuals of all abilities.

Also, the development includes plans for a permanent baseball stadium at the site, which holds the potential to further enhance its appeal as a sports and tourism destination.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The ambitious expansion project is expected to have a significant economic impact on the region. It marks the largest private investment in Dyersville's history and one of the largest-ever in Dubuque County.

The phased development work is anticipated to create hundreds of construction jobs and, when fully completed, generate around 170 new full-time equivalent jobs.

The events hosted at the site are projected to result in more than $25 million in direct annual spending, further contributing to the local economy.

Charitable Initiatives and Future Plans

In addition to the development work, the new ownership has announced the establishment of a charitable organization, Field of Big Dreams, aimed at inspiring hope and providing life-changing opportunities for children with cancer and military veterans and their families.

This commitment to philanthropy underscores the broader vision of the new ownership to create a positive impact beyond the realm of sports and tourism.

MLB Games and Future Prospects

The property gained further prominence with the hosting of the first-ever regular season Major League Baseball game in Iowa, featuring the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox.

While MLB games have been a highlight, it's important to note that MLB won’t be back in 2023 for another regular season game at the specially constructed stadium near the iconic diamond from the 1989 film.

But the potential for future MLB games remains open, with the league’s involvement holding the key to the property's profitability and economic impact.

All in all, the current ownership and development team at the Field of Dreams property have embarked on an ambitious journey to transform the iconic site into a multifaceted destination for sports, tourism, and community engagement.

With a strong focus on youth sports, inclusivity, and philanthropy, the property's expansion is not only set to elevate its status as a premier baseball destination but also to create a positive economic and social impact on the region and beyond.