The Tropicana Las Vegas, one of the oldest and most historic hotels on the Las Vegas strip, has closed its doors after almost 67 years to make way for a new Major League Baseball stadium. The hotel, which was known as the “Tiffany of the Strip” for its opulence, opened in 1957 and cost $15 million to build. It underwent two major expansions, with the Tiffany Tower opening in 1979 and the Island Tower in 1986. The hotel has a storied past, with connections to infamous mobster Frank Costello and allegations of money skimming by mob operatives in the 1970s.
One of the most famous features of the Tropicana was its risqué show featuring topless feathered showgirls, which was featured in the 1964 Elvis Presley film “Viva Las Vegas.” Magicians Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn, as well as Lance Burton, got their start in the show. The hotel also served as a filming location for movies such as “The Godfather” and “Diamonds Are Forever,” where James Bond stays at the Tropicana. Despite its colorful history, the Tropicana ultimately closed its doors to make room for a $1.5 billion Major League Baseball stadium, with demolition slated for October.
Behind the scenes at the Tropicana’s opening, there were close ties with Frank Costello, a notorious mobster. In 1959, Costello was shot in New York, and police found a note in his pocket detailing the Tropicana’s earnings and plans to skim money for his associates. This connection to organized crime continued in the 1970s when federal authorities charged mob operatives with skimming gambling revenue from Las Vegas casinos, including the Tropicana, resulting in multiple convictions. Despite these connections, the Tropicana continued to attract visitors with its lavish shows and film appearances.
In recent years, the Tropicana had become a popular destination for visitors seeking vintage Las Vegas charm. However, the decision to close the hotel and make way for a Major League Baseball stadium marks the end of an era for this iconic property. The closure of the Tropicana is part of a larger trend of redevelopment on the Las Vegas strip, with new attractions and developments continually changing the landscape of this entertainment capital. As the Tropicana prepares for demolition, its legacy as one of Las Vegas’ most historic and opulent hotels will be remembered by those who visited and experienced its unique charm over the past six decades.
In conclusion, the closure of the Tropicana Las Vegas marks the end of an era for one of the city’s longest-standing and most historic hotels. With a rich history that includes ties to famous mobsters, risqué shows, and appearances in movies such as “Viva Las Vegas” and “Diamonds Are Forever,” the Tropicana has left a lasting impression on visitors to the Las Vegas strip. While its closure may be bittersweet for fans of vintage Las Vegas charm, the hotel’s demolition to make way for a new Major League Baseball stadium signals the city’s ongoing transformation and growth. As Las Vegas continues to evolve and reinvent itself, the memories of the Tropicana will live on in the hearts of those who experienced its opulence and entertainment offerings over the years.
