Iconic Tropicana Las Vegas Casino to be Demolished with Spectacular Implosion Event

The historic Tropicana Las Vegas is set for demolition today to make way for a new baseball stadium. The celebrated hotel and casino, which first opened its doors in 1957, was closed permanently on April 2, 2024. The demolition event, scheduled before dawn, will level the remaining structures in a dramatic implosion.

The Tropicana’s destruction marks the end of an era, as it was the last vestige of the mob-influenced buildings that once characterized the Las Vegas Strip. The implosion is scheduled to occur at 2:30 a.m. and is expected to reduce the two hotel towers to rubble in around 22 seconds. Historian Geoff Schumacher, of the Mob Museum, commented on the tradition of casino implosions in Las Vegas, noting, “What Las Vegas has done, in classic Las Vegas style, they’ve turned many of these implosions into spectacles.”

The spectacle will not only consist of the demolition but will also feature a fireworks display and drone show, in keeping with Las Vegas’ penchant for grand celebrations. The Tropicana’s closure and subsequent demolition pave the way for the Oakland Athletics‘ relocation, contributing to Las Vegas’ transformation into a burgeoning sports hub.

The Tropicana, once dubbed the “Tiffany of the Strip,” was renowned for its elegance and was a favorite haunt of the infamous Rat Pack. It boasted major renovations throughout the 1960s and ’70s, including the addition of a famed $1 million stained glass ceiling. Despite these updates over the years, parts of the original low-rise hotel wings had survived, maintaining the aura of its mob-connected past.

Steven Wynn revolutionized casino demolitions with the televised implosion of the Dunes in 1993, establishing promotions around such events as Las Vegas traditions. The last notable implosion on the Strip occurred in 2016 with the demolition of the Riviera. The upcoming implosion is a significant milestone as it signifies the removal of structures with historic ties and paves the way for future developments.

Local authorities, including the Clark County Department of Environment and Sustainability, have issued a dust advisory in anticipation of the implosion’s aftermath, preparing residents and visitors for reduced air quality following the event. The demolition will be broadcast live, although no public viewing areas have been designated, providing closure for fans of this iconic piece of Las Vegas history.