The iconic Tropicana Las Vegas casino is closing, almost 70 years after first opening its doors.
Operated by Bally’s Corporation, the casino is set for demolition as soon as October, making way for the construction of a $1.5Billion baseball stadium for the MLB’s Oakland Athletics.
Bally’s chairman Soo Kim told FOX: “Think October for the main event. Our team felt that this was the right time, post the peak season, to prepare to close the Trop. It’s been in the works for some time. This gives plenty of time to ready the place for the redevelopment and the start of construction.”
Bally’s announced the acquisition of Tropicana Las Vegas in September 2022, taking over from Gaming & Leisure Properties and PENN Entertainment.
A deal with the Oakland A’s was struck in May 2023, with plans for a new, 30,000-capacity stadium. Work on the site is expected to begin in 2028.
To some, it’s a sad end to a former jewel in the Las Vegas strip. In the 1971 James Bond film, “Diamonds Are Forever”, Sean Connery’s Bond stays in the luxurious Tropicana.
The secret agent even says “I hear that the Hotel Tropicana is quite comfortable.”
That was back in Tropicana’s heyday, though. Now, after 67 years, the third-oldest casino in Las Vegas is closing down.
The Right Time For Tropicana Las Vegas To Close
But while many will look back with nostalgia, there is an acceptance by others that the time is right to close a chapter of Vegas’ history.
Speaking to Bloomberg, Tropicana bartender of 38 years, Charlie Granado said: “It’s time. It’s run its course,
“It makes me sad but on the other hand, it’s a happy ending.”
Back then Tropicana first opened, the population of Clark County – which includes Las Vegas – has only just tipped over 100,000.
Costing $15 million, the three story building had over 300 rooms across two wings. Now, only the low-rise hotel room wings remain from the original structure.
But the casino still evokes fond memories for many.
“It does give an old Vegas vibe. When you first walk in, you see the stained glass and the low ceilings,” said JT Seumala, a Las Vegas redident.
“It does feel like you step back in time for a moment.”
Yet for all the sentiment attached to the historic location, the winds of change have finally blown its doors shut for good.
But rest assured, there are plenty of instant withdrawal casinos available online where you can get your hands on your favorite games.
