The Tropicana Las Vegas, a legendary casino and hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, is set to close its doors and be demolished to make way for a $1.5 billion Major League Baseball stadium. The Tropicana has been a fixture in Vegas since it opened in 1957, catering to celebrities and visitors looking for a taste of vintage Vegas. Over the years, the Tropicana underwent various changes and renovations to keep up with the evolving landscape of Las Vegas.
The Tropicana’s initial allure came from its luxurious amenities, including a showroom that hosted A-list stars like Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor. Despite its ties to organized crime in its early years, the Tropicana went on to become a successful venue for entertainment, featuring the long-running topless revue “Folies Bergere.” The casino’s closure marks the end of an era for a piece of Las Vegas history that has seen many iterations throughout its lifetime.
As Las Vegas continues to reinvent itself as a hub for sports and entertainment, the Tropicana’s closure reflects the city’s ongoing evolution. The city is now home to major sports teams like the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders and the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights, signaling a shift towards becoming a premier sports destination. The new Major League Baseball stadium planned for the Tropicana site is set to open in 2028, adding to the city’s growing sports entertainment offerings.
For longtime employees like bartender Charlie Granado, the closure of the Tropicana is bittersweet, as it marks the end of an era but also represents progress and change. Many former employees fondly remember their time at the Tropicana, reminiscing about the casino’s past glory days and its iconic status in the Vegas entertainment scene. Despite its closure, the Tropicana remains a symbol of vintage Vegas nostalgia for those who experienced its heyday.
The Tropicana’s history is intertwined with the growth and development of Las Vegas as a premier entertainment destination. From its early days as a glamorous casino frequented by celebrities and high-rollers to its later years as a more family-friendly resort, the Tropicana has left an indelible mark on the Las Vegas Strip. Its closure and impending demolition signal the end of an era but also pave the way for new opportunities and attractions in the ever-changing landscape of Las Vegas.
As Las Vegas continues to evolve and reinvent itself, the closure of the Tropicana serves as a reminder of the city’s ability to adapt and embrace change. While the casino’s iconic presence will be missed by many who cherished its vintage charm, the city’s ongoing transformation into a sports and entertainment hub promises exciting new possibilities for visitors and residents alike. Las Vegas’s ability to reinvent itself while preserving its rich history is a testament to its enduring appeal as a world-renowned destination for entertainment and leisure.
