The Tropicana Has Officially Closed

The Tropicana Las Vegas, an iconic landmark in Sin City's history, opened its doors in 1957 with much fanfare. Its grand opening was marked by the Nevada lieutenant governor symbolically unlocking the door and discarding the key, signifying its perpetual operation. However, after more than six decades of operation, the Tropicana is now set to close permanently to make way for a Major League Baseball stadium for the relocating Oakland Athletics, as announced by its owner, Bally's Corp.

The Tropicana, often referred to as the "Tiffany of the Strip," had a storied past that included ties to the mob during its early years. Despite this association, the hotel-casino enjoyed success and became renowned for its opulence, featuring mosaic tiles, mahogany panels, and a distinctive tulip-shaped fountain at the entrance. Over the years, it hosted top-tier entertainment acts, including A-list stars like Sammy Davis Jr., Louis Armstrong, and Gladys Knight, as well as renowned shows like the long-running "Folies Bergere."

Despite its illustrious history, the Tropicana faced legal scrutiny in the 1970s when federal authorities investigated mob activities related to skimming gambling revenue from Las Vegas casinos, including the Tropicana. However, it continued to thrive and expand, adding two hotel towers and becoming a staple of the Las Vegas Strip.

In recent years, the landscape around the Tropicana has transformed, with towering megaresorts surrounding it, including the MGM Grand, Excalibur, and Mandalay Bay. The impending closure of the Tropicana marks the end of an era for the iconic establishment, as it prepares to make room for the construction of the MLB stadium.

Bally's Corp. ceased hotel bookings after April 2. The new stadium, backed by significant public funding, is expected to open in 2028. However, the funding and construction of the stadium faces significant backlash from the public who do not want to fund another sports arena.