If you want to be a part of the final days of the Tropicana, you better get a move on. Those looking for souvenirs from the casino, whether a chip or a deck of cards, have only days to do so. The official last day of operation for the resort is being reported as April 2nd. Sadly, that last day falls just two days short of the resorts 67th anniversary.
Then, the process of removing the two towers remains will begin. As of the writing of this article, exactly how that will happen has not been made public. However, most believe the removal will follow the newest of Las Vegas traditions: implosion. Upon its closure in April, nine out of the 35 acres will be designated for the Athletics, who plan to erect a 33,000-seat stadium on the site.
John Fisher, the A’s owner who has obtained permission from MLB owners to relocate the team from Oakland, has not commented specifically on the final days of the Tropicana or any updated designs for the $1.5 billion stadium. He expressed interest in Bally’s and Gaming and Leisure Properties, the landowners, submitting proposals for integrating a new resort with the stadium.
While Bally’s has yet to reveal its full intentions for the property, it’s expected that whatever replaces the Tropicana hotel-casino will likely adopt the Bally’s brand. Notably, the former Bally’s Las Vegas, now known as the Horseshoe Las Vegas, is under the ownership of Caesars Entertainment and is unrelated to Bally’s Corp.
Back in 1957, the resort was built for about $15 million and had 300 rooms. At that time, it was even he most expensive hotel to open on the Vegas Strip. Now, here we are looking at a dilapidated and out-of-date venue. Oh, well. It happens to the best of us. One thing is certain, however. And that is all eyes will be watching the final days of the Tropicana, as we head toward a simple demolition or a more spectacular implosion.