Field of Dreams officials announced May 20 that the press box at the site’s new ballpark will be named in honor of Iowa Hawkeyes radio voice Gary Dolphin.
The ballpark is currently under construction at the iconic movie site near Dyersville.
The press box will be named in recognition of Dolphin’s decades of contributions to University of Iowa athletics, broadcasting and communities across the state. Dolphin is a native of Cascade, another Dubuque County town located about 15 miles from the Field of Dreams.
The Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies will play a Major League Baseball game at the new park on Aug. 13.
The naming opportunity is being led by Iowa businessman and philanthropist Ron Kirchhoff, a member of the “Bring It Home” Campaign National Advisory Board.
“Gary Dolphin has been one of the great voices and ambassadors for the state of Iowa for decades,” Kirchhoff said in a news release. “He’s brought people together through sports, community, and storytelling, and this is a meaningful way to recognize everything he has given back to Iowa. The Field of Dreams represents the very best of our state, and honoring Gary there just feels right.”
The new Field of Dreams ballpark is a centerpiece of the “Bring It Home” campaign led by Dyersville Events, Inc., the nonprofit organization stewarding the 297-acre Field of Dreams site. The campaign includes construction of a professional ballpark, youth baseball and softball complex, education and community programming, and expanded visitor amenities.
Many supporters have already committed gifts toward the Gary Dolphin Press Box effort, and additional pledges will continue to be accepted through Aug. 13.
About half of the $500,000 fundraising goal has been secured, Kirchhoff said. Kirchhoff has committed to matching contributions made through this effort with a charitable gift to UI athletics in Dolphin’s honor.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Field of Dreams press box named in honor of broadcaster Gary Dolphin
Reporting by Hawk Central report, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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