LAS VEGAS — The iconic Tropicana Hotel will bid farewell in a spectacular implosion early Wednesday morning, marking the end of an era for one of the last remaining mob-era establishments on the Las Vegas Strip. The controlled demolition is scheduled for 2:30 a.m. and is expected to bring down the hotel towers in just 22 seconds, accompanied by an exciting fireworks and drone display.
This demolition represents the first casino implosion in nearly ten years in Las Vegas, a city renowned for its transformative approach to entertainment and leisure. Geoff Schumacher, an expert on the city’s history, noted that Las Vegas has a tradition of turning such events into grand spectacles.
The transformation of casino demolitions into a unique form of entertainment can be traced back to 1993, when former casino mogul Steve Wynn revolutionized the concept during the Dunes’ implosion, paving the way for spectacular representations of destruction.
The Las Vegas Strip has not witnessed a casino demolition since the Riviera was leveled in 2016 to make way for a new convention center. This recent implosion will clear space for a new baseball stadium for the relocating Oakland Athletics, further reinforcing the city’s ambition to establish itself as a major sports hub.
Following the implosion, only the Flamingo will remain from the Strip’s mob days, though it has undergone significant renovations since its original construction. The Tropicana, known as the “Tiffany of the Strip,” opened its doors in 1957 and has a rich history tied to Las Vegas’s past, hosting numerous famous guests including members of the Rat Pack.
Initially featuring three stories and 300 rooms, the Tropicana has seen extensive growth and modernization, including the iconic stained glass ceiling installed in 1979. Although renovations altered much of the property, its original low-rise hotel wings have survived, solidifying its status as the last genuine mob structure on the Strip.
The Tropicana’s history is also intertwined with organized crime, notably through the infamous mobster Frank Costello. The casino was implicated in multiple investigations over the years, with charges related to skimming gambling revenues impacting its reputation.
The implosion will be broadcast live, allowing viewers to witness this historic moment, although public viewing areas will not be available. Fans of the Tropicana had an opportunity to say their goodbyes during its closure in April, reflecting on the nostalgia of “Old Vegas.”
