The iconic Tropicana Las Vegas, a renowned hotel-casino that has stood as a landmark on the bustling Las Vegas Strip for over six decades, is set to close its doors permanently. The closure is in preparation for the construction of a state-of-the-art Major League Baseball stadium, which will serve as the new home for the Oakland Athletics, who will be relocating to Las Vegas.
The news of the Tropicana's closure was announced by Bally's Corp., the current owner of the establishment. The closure is scheduled for April 2, just days before the 67th anniversary of the Tropicana's grand opening. Bally's expressed excitement over the opportunity to develop a unique resort and ballpark that will pay homage to Las Vegas' rich history and appeal to its millions of annual visitors. The company plans to create a new landmark that will captivate both locals and tourists alike.
When the Tropicana first opened its doors in 1957, it quickly became synonymous with luxury and elegance, earning the nickname 'Tiffany of the Strip.' Adorned with opulent mosaic tiles, mahogany panels, and a striking tulip-shaped fountain at the entrance, the Tropicana epitomized the grandeur of Las Vegas during that era. Each of its hotel rooms boasted a balcony, providing guests with stunning views of the city.
However, the hotel-casino's history is not without its dark side. Behind the scenes, the Tropicana had connections to the mob, mainly through reputed mobster Frank Costello. In the weeks following the grand opening, Costello survived a gunshot to the head but was found with a note containing the Tropicana's precise earnings figure and instructions for skimming money for his associates. The Tropicana was also embroiled in a federal investigation in the 1970s, resulting in several convictions related to skimming gambling revenue.
Despite its checkered past, the Tropicana enjoyed many years of success and underwent expansions, including the addition of two hotel towers. It became known for its long-running topless show 'Folies Bergere,' which was even featured in the Elvis Presley film 'Viva Las Vegas.' The Tropicana also showcased performances by renowned stars like Sammy Davis Jr., Louis Armstrong, and Gladys Knight. Notable events, such as daredevil Robbie Knievel's record-breaking motorcycle jump, further etched the Tropicana's name into Las Vegas history.
Today, the Tropicana sits at the south end of the Strip, surrounded by towering megaresorts such as the MGM Grand, Excalibur, and Mandalay Bay. The site intersects with a major thoroughfare named after the Tropicana and is in close proximity to the homes of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders and the NHL's Vegas Golden Knights.
As Bally's prepares for the demolition of the Tropicana, the company has stated that it will no longer accept hotel bookings after April 2 and will assist customers with existing reservations in finding alternative accommodations. The construction of the new baseball stadium, which has received $380 million in public funding, is expected to commence soon and be completed by 2028. The move of the Oakland Athletics to Las Vegas has received unanimous approval from all 30 MLB owners.
During this transition, the Culinary Workers Union, representing approximately 500 workers at the Tropicana, reached an agreement for a new five-year contract with the establishment. Secretary-Treasurer of the union, Ted Pappageorge, expressed hope that the severance package outlined in the contract would alleviate the challenges faced by the predominantly senior workforce, many of whom have been employed at the Tropicana for decades. The severance pay will amount to $2,000 for each year of work.
While the closure of the Tropicana brings an end to a chapter in Las Vegas' history, it also marks the beginning of an exciting new era for the city. The forthcoming resort and baseball stadium promise to be landmarks that honor Las Vegas' iconic legacy while embracing its future as a premier entertainment destination.
