The Tropicana’s Final Bow

One of Las Vegas’ original casinos, the Tropicana, is set to close its chapter on October 9. Established in 1957, the property has already been closed to visitors since April 2, with its numerous contents liquidated and many walls knocked down in preparation. The demolition will be marked by a special drone and fireworks display, culminating in an implosion scheduled for 2:30 am PST, as per an announcement from Bally’s Corporation, the current owner.

A Historical Landmark

Located on the north end of the historic Las Vegas Strip, the Tropicana holds a special place in Hollywood history as the filming location for the 1971 James Bond film “Diamonds Are Forever.” Its demolition signals the end of an era for this iconic establishment, as Las Vegas continues to evolve and modernize its offerings to visitors. The site will soon be transformed into a new MLB stadium for the Oakland A’s, contributing to the area’s burgeoning sports district.

A Shift in the Las Vegas Skyline

The Tropicana’s closure is part of a broader trend to update and modernize older properties on the Las Vegas Strip. Earlier this year, the Mirage closed, making way for renovations to become a new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, complete with a 700-foot tall guitar. In a similar move in 2018, MGM Resorts transformed the Monte Carlo Casino into the Park MGM, featuring an overhauled look including a new Eataly food court. Las Vegas continues to attract millions, with over 40.8 million visitors recorded in 2023 alone, reflecting its enduring appeal as a top tourism destination.

Future Plans

The site of the Tropicana is poised to become a central feature in Las Vegas’s growing sports district, which already includes Allegiant Stadium, home to the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, and the T-Mobile Arena, host to various UFC events and home to the NHL’s Golden Knights and the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces. As the city evolves, new developments seek to cater to a wider audience, promising a new era of entertainment and luxury for future visitors.