What Is 2022 MLB at Field of Dreams

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2022 MLB at Field of Dreams game was played on August 11, 2022, between the Chicago White Sox and the New York Yankees in Dyersville, Iowa. The White Sox won 9–8 in front of 8,942 fans at the specially constructed 8,000-seat ballpark near the original movie site.

Key Facts

Game date: August 11, 2022
Teams: Chicago White Sox vs. New York Yankees
Location: Dyersville, Iowa, near the original 'Field of Dreams' movie site
Final score: White Sox 9, Yankees 8
Attendance: 8,942 fans at the temporary 8,000-seat ballpark

Overview

The 2022 MLB at Field of Dreams game marked the second edition of Major League Baseball’s special regular-season event held at a ballpark constructed adjacent to the iconic movie site in Dyersville, Iowa. Inspired by the 1989 film 'Field of Dreams,' the game aimed to blend nostalgia, baseball history, and cinematic legacy into a single event.

This year’s matchup featured two storied franchises: the Chicago White Sox and the New York Yankees. The game was nationally televised and included themed elements such as period uniforms, a cornfield backdrop, and appearances by actors from the original film.

Event name: Officially titled 'MLB at Field of Dreams,' the 2022 game was the second in the series after the inaugural 2021 edition featuring the Cubs and Reds.
Date and time: Played on Thursday, August 11, 2022, at approximately 7:00 PM Eastern Time under stadium lights.
Location: The ballpark was built just 200 yards from the original movie set in Dyersville, Iowa, preserving the cornfield aesthetic.
Attendance: A total of 8,942 fans attended, slightly exceeding the ballpark’s official 8,000-seat capacity due to added standing room.
Result: The Chicago White Sox defeated the New York Yankees 9–8 in a dramatic, extra-innings contest decided in the bottom of the ninth.

How It Works

The Field of Dreams game combines Major League Baseball’s scheduling with cinematic homage, creating a unique regular-season game in a temporary rural venue. Each element is designed to evoke the magic of the 1989 film while maintaining competitive integrity.

Temporary ballpark: A full-sized, regulation MLB field is constructed annually near the original movie site, complete with dugouts, bullpens, and a 8,000-seat grandstand.
Team selection: MLB chooses two teams with historical significance or narrative appeal; in 2022, the Yankees and White Sox both had strong fan bases and legacies.
Uniforms: Both teams wore throwback-style uniforms; the White Sox donned cream-colored jerseys reminiscent of early 20th-century baseball.
Game significance: Despite the theatrical setting, the game counted in the regular-season standings, affecting playoff races and individual player stats.
Production elements: The event included cinematic lighting, a cornfield outfield, and appearances by Kevin Costner, who starred in the original film.
Logistics: Over 100 truckloads of equipment were used to build the ballpark, which was dismantled after the game, leaving only the movie site intact.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2022 Field of Dreams game compares to its 2021 predecessor and a typical MLB game:

Feature	2022 Game	2021 Game	Typical MLB Game
Location	Dyersville, IA (Field of Dreams site)	Dyersville, IA (same site)	Home stadium of one team
Attendance	8,942	7,942	~25,000–45,000
Teams	White Sox vs. Yankees	Cubs vs. Reds	Home vs. Away team
Game Duration	3 hours, 32 minutes	3 hours, 18 minutes	~3 hours
Winner	White Sox (9–8)	White Sox (4–2)	Varies

While attendance was lower than average MLB games due to the remote location and limited seating, the 2022 event saw higher viewership on national television. The temporary ballpark’s intimacy and scenic backdrop created a unique atmosphere not replicable in traditional stadiums.

Why It Matters

The 2022 Field of Dreams game reinforced baseball’s cultural resonance and its ability to merge sport with storytelling. It attracted national attention and demonstrated MLB’s commitment to innovative event marketing.

Nostalgia factor: The game honored the 1989 film, drawing fans who connected emotionally with its 'if you build it, they will come' theme.
Economic impact: Over 100,000 visitors toured the Field of Dreams site in 2022, boosting local Iowa tourism significantly.
Media reach: The game was broadcast nationally on Fox, reaching an estimated 5.2 million viewers during prime time.
Player experience: Athletes described playing in the cornfield setting as 'surreal' and 'a career highlight' due to its uniqueness.
Legacy potential: MLB considered making the event annual, though future editions depend on logistical and financial feasibility.
Cultural moment: The game became a symbol of baseball’s enduring magic, blending sport, film, and Americana into one powerful narrative.

By combining cinematic history with live sports, the 2022 MLB at Field of Dreams created a lasting memory for fans, players, and broadcasters alike—proving that baseball’s most powerful moments often happen far from the big city lights.