Field of Dreams Announces $10 Million Legacy Gift

The Field of Dreams Movie Site celebrated a big financial boost in its expansion efforts on Thursday.

Dyersville Events, Inc., the Iowa-based non-profit organization that owns and stewards the site, has committed to preserving and enhancing the Field of Dreams for future generations with the “Bring It Home” campaign. The campaign supports the construction of the new professional ballpark, youth tournament facilities, education and event spaces, infrastructure improvements and continued preservation of the original movie site. 

On Thursday, community leaders and supporters gathered for a special announcement at the Field of Dreams’ professional ballpark, which is currently under construction. “Voice of the Hawkeyes” and Dubuque County native Gary Dolphin emceed the event, with Governor Kim Reynolds attending as well – making a surprise announcement of an additional $3 million investment from the State. 

“The Field of Dreams represents the very best of Iowa: our values, our communities, and our ability to dream big,” said Governor Reynolds. “This project is an investment in tourism, economic development, youth opportunity, and rural vitality that will benefit Iowa for generations to come. The State of Iowa is proud to help support this vision, and today’s announcement demonstrates the extraordinary momentum that is possible when public and private partners come together.”

Keith Rahe serves as the Executive Director of Dyersville Events and President & CEO of Travel Dubuque. He’s also the General Manager of the Field of Dreams Ghostplayers. 

Project leaders also announced that three Iowa families and business leaders – Andy & Debi Butler, Craig & Lisa Breitbach and McCoy Group – have collectively committed $10 million in support of the “Bring It Home” campaign. The McCoy Group’s Jim Conley says he moved to Dubuque 31 years ago and was awestruck during his first visit to the Field of Dreams.

Andy Butler of Dubuque is chairman of the third-largest privately-held insurance brokerage in the U.S. His hope for the project is that a visit for a game at the site will inspire people to choose Iowa as their home.

Craig Breitbach of Farley is CEO of Cedar Valley Steel. He and his wife, Lisa, have donated to the site before, but Breitbach says a fishing trip last August with the Butlers and the family of Greg McCoy, president of the McCoy Group, sparked a new conversation.

An Oskaloosa company is also involved in the project. Charley Campbell – a vice president at Musco – says his company installs lighting all around the world for major sporting events, including the Major League Baseball games played at the Field of Dreams in Dyersville in 2021 and 2022 – and during the filming of the movie back in 1988.

Rahe says it takes a community to make this project happen.

We’ll hear more from Keith Rahe on the expansion of the Field of Dreams Movie Site coming up during Monday’s newscasts on KMCH.

audio courtesy of Janelle Tucker/KMCH & Radio Iowa; photos courtesy of Janelle Tucker/KMCH