Six months after declaring bankruptcy, the iconic Tropicana Las Vegas was demolished, ending a historic chapter. The hotel, which had 1,467 rooms, turned 67 years old in 2024, but has not adapted to the recent changes in Las Vegas.
The place was the setting for classic films such as ‘007 – The Diamonds Are Forever’ (1971) and ‘The Godfather’ (1972).
A goodbye full of tributes
In the early hours of Wednesday (09), the Tropicana was imploded amid a triumphal tribute. Fireworks and 500 drones lit up the sky for seven minutes, celebrating Las Vegas’ rich history.
The famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign was designed, recalling the hotel’s glamorous era.
The English newspaper The Sun reported that around 900 kg of explosives were used to carry out the demolition. The process followed carefully:
- They tore down the Paradise Tower first
- Followed by the 23-story Club Tower
Bombs, encased in metal, ensured that the debris did not spread out of control. See what the implosion of the iconic hotel and casino was like:
Tropicana represented luxury and history in Las Vegas
Opened in 1957, the Tropicana soon made a name for itself as the Strip’s most luxurious hotel, nicknamed the “Tiffany of the Strip.” With 300 accommodations with balconies and a crescent-shaped pool, the hotel attracted more than 12,000 visitors at its grand opening ceremony.
Tropicana marked an era with legendary performances. Eddie Fisher was the first attraction, followed by Debbie Reynolds and Elizabeth Taylor. The famous Rat Pack, with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., also frequented the place.
But, in addition to the real-life stars, James Bond mentioned the Tropicana in a famous scene from the film “007 – Diamonds Are Forever”. The combination of glamor and entertainment made the Tropicana a landmark in the history of Las Vegas.
What’s Coming to the Tropicana Las Vegas Location
Then, after several changes of ownership, the Oakland Athletics purchased the Tropicana land in 2023. The sale marks the end of the hotel and the beginning of a new chapter with the construction of a $1.5 billion stadium and luxury resort .
But even though they demolished the Tropicana, Las Vegas will keep its legacy alive. The hotel represented an era of glamor and innovation in the entertainment capital.
Therefore, as new projects emerge, the city continues to evolve, keeping the stories of its icons as part of its identity.
Fun facts about the hotel and casino:
Its name, of course, evokes a tropical climate. Therefore, the architects designed Tropicana to offer a relaxing and exotic environment, reflecting the aesthetics of South Florida and tropical islands. See below for more interesting facts about this Las Vegas legend:
- Tropicana’s design was influenced by the style of South Florida resorts, with a focus on an open-air environment, including a crescent-shaped pool.
- At the opening ceremony, Tropicana attracted more than 12 thousand visitors.
- The hotel was one of the first to offer rooms with a balcony. This way, it allowed guests to enjoy the view of the Las Vegas Strip.
