The Tropicana has imploded! Another hotel with a rich legacy has joined the graveyard of past resorts that also once ruled The Strip.
On Wednesday morning, thousands of people found spots, went to parking garages and scoped out prime viewing locations to watch the Tropicana implode into the ground. Room rates skyrocketed in Las Vegas during this past week, probably in anticipation of a major resort collapsing — a once in a lifetime spectacle.
On social media, people expressed melancholy about their childhood memories becoming nothing but dust — quite literally. But, others expressed excitement for the future of Las Vegas and the future home for The Athletics.
To prepare for the implosion, resorts close to the Tropicana gave visitors notes with warnings. MGM even gave guests earplugs and a sleeping mask. After the implosion, people and the surrounding areas were covered with debris and dust. Now, it’s time for clean up.
Why Did Officials Implode The Tropicana?
The Tropicana was wiped out from the Las Vegas Strip to make room for the future stadium that will house the Athletics. NBC News reports that Las Vegas city officials hope this “will fuel the city’s economic future as affordability concerns simmer on and off the Strip.”
The Nevada Independent reported that “the public financing for the stadium includes $180 million in transferable tax credits from the state (which the team could sell to other businesses for cash), an estimated $120 million in Clark County bonds and a $25 million credit from the county for infrastructure needs around the stadium.”
The hope for breaking ground on the stadium is to aim for April 2024, the Nevada Independent further reported.
Melancholy For Tropicana’s History, Ready For A New Future
The Tropicana has a beautiful and ornamented history. Big rat pack celebs like Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra adored the casino. Martin and Sinatra would even attend shows like the famous “Folies Bergere” cabaret show, often distracting the dancers who would try to get their attention in the crowd.
Other great memories are the beautiful ceiling over the casino floor, the amazing workers and the classic Vegas energy that radiated throughout the resort.
As we say “goodbye” forever, we also welcome innovation with open arms. As Las Vegans, we’re used to constant change. But with constant change needs to be constant success. Thank you, Tropicana for all of the stunning memories. We will never forget Lady Tropicana!
