Ideas + Inspo

MLB’s ‘Field of Dreams’: Is This Hybrid Heaven?

Finally, the first truly great hybrid event of the pandemic In 2019, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of “Field of Dreams” (Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, “If you build it…,” you know the rest), the MLB announced plans to build a park in Dyersville, IA, where the movie filmed. After a pandemic delay, the game finally took place on Aug. 12, 2021. Many called it corny — it did take place in a cornfield — so we expected that. But we didn’t expect it to be the best hybrid event we have experienced. According to MLB.com: “Since 1989, the Lansing Family Farm, which was used in the movie, has been a popular tourist attraction, now known as the ‘Field of Dreams Movie Site.' In 2011, the field was purchased by Denise Stillman and a group of investors to create a special place for baseball fans, tournaments and families. Stillman partnered with MLB in 2015 [with her company, Go the Distance], which has now culminated in this special game.”  Who says baseball is dead? Who says TV is dead? This made-for-TV event was created for baseball lovers, movie lovers and basically anyone with a...