In 1957, the Tropicana Las Vegas made its debut, with Nevada’s lieutenant governor symbolically unlocking the door to a Sin City institution. Fast forward six decades, and the iconic hotel-casino, once dubbed the “Tiffany of the Strip” and associated with the mob, is bidding farewell. Bally’s Corp., the current owner, recently announced the closure of the Tropicana on April 2, paving the way for the construction of a $1.5 billion Major League Baseball stadium, which will serve as the new home for the Oakland Athletics.
The decision to close the Tropicana, just days shy of its 67th anniversary, marks the commencement of preparations for its eventual demolition. Bally’s president, George Papanier, emphasized the extraordinary nature of the ballpark project, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” The company envisions the development of a new resort and ballpark that will become a landmark, paying homage to Las Vegas’ rich history and its annual influx of nearly 50 million visitors.
When the Tropicana first opened, Las Vegas was a different landscape, with a population of just over 100,000 in Clark County. The Tropicana, known for its opulence and unique features like mosaic tiles and mahogany panels, had ties to the mob during its early years, notably through reputed mobster Frank Costello. Despite these connections, the hotel-casino thrived and expanded over the years, boasting two hotel towers and introducing popular attractions such as the long-running topless show “Folies Bergere.”
Throughout its history, the Tropicana hosted legendary performers like Sammy Davis Jr., Louis Armstrong, and Gladys Knight. It even played a role in the 1964 Elvis Presley film “Viva Las Vegas.” Despite facing challenges, including federal investigations into mob-related activities in the 1970s, the Tropicana became a symbol of entertainment and luxury on the Las Vegas Strip.
Today, the Tropicana’s location at the south end of the Strip intersects with a bustling thoroughfare bearing its name. Surrounded by towering megaresorts, the site will soon make way for a state-of-the-art MLB stadium, backed by $380 million in public funding and set to open in 2028. The announcement of the Tropicana’s closure came shortly after an agreement was reached between the hotel-casino and the Culinary Workers Union, representing approximately 500 workers, for a new five-year contract.
The Ultimate Guide to Physical Activity for Seniors
Bally’s, having acquired the Tropicana in 2021 for $308 million, will cease accepting hotel bookings after April 2 and plans to relocate customers with existing reservations beyond the closing date. The union expressed hope that the severance package outlined in the new contract would ease the transition for the predominantly senior workforce, many of whom have dedicated decades to the Tropicana. As Las Vegas continues to evolve, the Tropicana’s closure signifies the end of an era, making room for a new chapter in the city’s vibrant history.
