Las Vegas bid farewell to one of its iconic landmarks, the Tropicana Casino, on October 9, 2024, as its towering structures crumbled to the ground during a carefully orchestrated implosion, making way for the Oakland Athletics’ new home—a $1.5 billion baseball stadium set to open for the 2028 season.
The Tropicana, which debuted on the Las Vegas Strip way back in 1957, was known for its enchanting atmosphere and connections to the city's storied past, including its ties to organized crime. This 67-year-old casino had witnessed decades of gambling delights and the rise of Las Vegas as the entertainment capital of the world.
The implosion, which took place just after 2:30 AM, was not only a demolition but also considered by many as somewhat of a celebration. The event included dazzling fireworks and illuminated drone displays, creating vibrant visuals against the Las Vegas night sky. John Fisher, the owner of the A's, reflected the sentiments surrounding the demolition, saying, “The demolition of the Tropicana is an important milestone in the process of bringing A’s baseball to the world-renowned Las Vegas Strip and the community of Southern Nevada,” according to NBC KSNV.
Over the years, the Tropicana had transitioned from being the elite choice for high-rollers to providing budget-friendly hospitality options, which reflected changes throughout the Las Vegas Strip. Its history is intertwined with notorious mob figures, including the reputed mobster Frank Costello, underscoring the casino's significance during the city’s early days.
The Tropicana opened as the largest casino on the Strip, boasting 300 accommodations split between two wings. Renowned for its green-and-amber stained glass ceiling and its status as the playground for celebrities like the Rat Pack, the casino symbolized the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas. The buildings, reminiscent of the city’s golden age, were adorned with historical elements reflecting its heyday.
Steve Hill, the president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, remarked on the nostalgic sentiments surrounding the Tropicana and its contribution to the city's entertainment industry. "It’s kind of a celebration of life for all the property has meant to Las Vegas,” he stated, illustrating the dual emotions felt by many locals as they witnessed the implosion.
For residents like Louis Gamboa, living nearby, the sentiment was palpable. “It’s a little sentimental because, you know, it’s like part of our neighborhood. But at the same time, I love progress; I love seeing Las Vegas grow,” Gamboa noted, capturing the mixed feelings many shared during this historic moment.
The decision to demolish the Tropicana aligns with Las Vegas's ambitions to evolve from solely being built around casinos to becoming a broader entertainment hub. Currently, the area is rapidly transforming with the addition of large venues like Allegiant Stadium and T-Mobile Arena, fostering expectations for heightened tourism driven by various sports and entertainment events.
The planned stadium for the A's is anticipated to accommodate approximately 33,000 baseball enthusiasts, incorporating modern features, all set to reshape the Las Vegas Strip. Despite the nostalgia tied to the Tropicana’s departure, experts and locals alike expressed optimism about the new beginnings this transition heralds.
New innovations on the Strip have already begun reshaping the visitor experience. High-profile events, including the Super Bowl and the Formula One Grand Prix, demonstrate the city's shift toward hosting premiere sports spectacles, with ticket prices reflecting the increasing value perceived by attendees.
Warner Bros. is also investing significantly in Las Vegas, planning to establish vast film and television studios, affirming the city's status not merely as a gambling destination but as a thriving center for diverse experiences. Such developments raise the stakes for Las Vegas to maintain its relevance and appeal compared to other major urban destinations.
While the Tropicana may be gone, its story remains alive, serving as both a teaching moment for the city's history and as potential motivation for future developments. The Flamingo Hotel remains the only original casino from the mob era still active on the Strip, but it too has undergone extensive renovations, seemingly losing its former self along the way.
With the completion of the Tropicana’s implosion, Las Vegas opens the door to fresh opportunities and experiences, signifying a new chapter where sports and entertainment will take center stage. This shift invites both challenges and potential rewards as the city adapts to changing economic landscapes driven by tourism, housing demand, and burgeoning entertainment options.
Although this moment marks the end of one chapter, it heralds the beginning of another for Las Vegas—a city continuously reinforcing its identity as the ultimate destination for entertainment and sport.
