History Of The Tropicana Las Vegas
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Was the Tropicana demolished?
The implosion of the Tropicana Las Vegas in the early morning hours on October 9th, 2024, was more than just a spectacle. It’s a living testament to the city’s unwavering commitment to constant evolution in the gaming and hospitality industries. The controlled demolition marked by each loud roar and brilliant fireworks burst was a visual and auditory feast in the city that never stands still!
Why did Tropicana in Vegas close?
The Tropicana’s demolition signified the end of an era and the anticipation of a new beginning. The legacy of Tropicana is intertwined with future visions, including the A’s state-of-the-art ballpark and Bally’s Corporation’s entertainment resort, which promise to redefine the city’s landscape.
This transformative spirit has seen iconic casinos and resort destinations making way for new chapters, ensuring Las Vegas remains a beacon of innovation and excitement. By embracing such dramatic transformations, Las Vegas reimagines its future while paying homage to a rich history of iconic casinos and unforgettable entertainment experiences.
What is the history of the Tropicana Las Vegas?
The Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas opened its doors in 1957. Developed by Miami-based businessman Ben Jaffe, the hotel’s luxurious South Beach-inspired architecture and tropical theme set a new standard for luxury, quickly earning it the moniker “The Tiffany of The Strip.”
History of the Tropicana Las Vegas timeline
Here’s a glimpse into the Trop’s illustrious history, courtesy of Bally’s Corporation and Wicked Creative PR.
- 1947: The Vision Takes Shape: Businessmen Ben Jaffe and Phil Kastel unveil plans for a new casino-hotel, the Tropicana Resort & Casino, aiming to create a tropical paradise in the Nevada desert.
- 1957: A Grand Debut: On April 4th, the Tropicana opens with a $15 million investment, featuring 300 rooms and the largest casino on The Strip. With its South Beach-inspired architecture and lush tropical theme, it earns the nickname “The Tiffany of The Strip.” Its opening acts, including singer Eddie Fisher, draw celebrities and high-rollers, immediately establishing The Trop as the place to see and be seen.
- 1959: The Iconic Folies Bergère Debuts: The world-famous Folies Bergère revue opens, bringing the glitz of Paris to Las Vegas. With its dazzling showgirls, elaborate costumes, and high-energy performances, Folies Bergère would run for nearly 50 years, becoming one of the most beloved and glamorous productions in Strip history.
- 1960s: The Rat Pack Era: The Tropicana thrives during the era of the Rat Pack, when Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. ruled The Strip. Though the group was most associated with the Sands Hotel, their influence spread across Las Vegas, including the Tropicana, drawing elite crowds and adding to the hotel’s allure.
- 1967: Siegfried & Roy’s Magic Debut: The magic duo Siegfried & Roy make one of their first Las Vegas appearances at the Tropicana, where they dazzled audiences with their signature white tigers and groundbreaking illusions, kickstarting their legendary careers.
- 1971: James Bond Checks In: The wider world gets a glimpse of The Tropicana’s allure when Sean Connery, as James Bond, checks into a Tropicana suite in Diamonds Are Forever, forever linking the resort to cinematic history.
- 1979: The Tiffany Tower: The Tropicana expands with the addition of the Tiffany Tower, adding 600 rooms and a striking $1 million glass ceiling over the casino floor. It was another step in solidifying The Trop’s place as a luxurious destination for Vegas visitors.
- 1986: Island of Las Vegas: A $70 million renovation transforms the property into an island paradise, complete with a five-acre pool area featuring lagoons, waterfalls, and floating blackjack tables, marketing itself as the “Island of Las Vegas.”
- 1988-1995: Ownership Shifts, Renovations Continue: Under new ownership by Aztar Corporation, the Tropicana undergoes extensive renovations totaling $200 million, ensuring it remained a top destination for bothhigh-stakes gamblers and entertainment seekers.
- 1997: Magic Reigns with Rick Thomas: Illusionist Rick Thomas brings his spellbinding magic show to the Tropicana, captivating audiences with grand illusions and mesmerizing performances.
- 2009-2011: A New Era of Entertainment: After being acquired by Onex Corporation and Goldman Sachs, the Tropicana undergoes a massive $180 million renovation. Wayne Newton, “Mr. Las Vegas” himself, debuts his show, Once Before I Go, while Gladys Knight takes the stage with her residency.
- 2015-2017: A New Chapter with Penn National Gaming: Penn National Gaming acquires the Tropicana for $360 million, ushering in a new era. Purple Reign, a tribute to Prince, debuts, thrilling audiences with electrifying performances of the late icon’s greatest hits.
- 2019-2022: Tribute Shows Take Center Stage: The Tropicana continues to celebrate the legends of music with Legends in Concert, featuring impersonators of icons like Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, and MJ Live, a tribute to Michael Jackson.
- September 2022: A New Chapter with Bally’s Corporation: Bally’s Corporation completes its $148 million acquisition of the Tropicana Las Vegas with Gaming & Leisure Properties, Inc. and PENN Entertainment, Inc.
- May 2023: Bally’s Announces Partnership with The A’s: Bally’s Corporation announced that, in conjunction with Gaming & Leisure Properties, Inc., they have reached a binding agreement with the Oakland Athletics of Major League Baseball to site their new ballpark on a portion of the current Tropicana Las Vegas property. The ballpark is expected to welcome more than 2.5 million fans and visitors annually, and will be a one-of-a-kind asset for the Las Vegas Strip.
- April 2024: Tropicana’s Final Bow After 67 years of glitz, glamour, and unforgettable entertainment, the Tropicana closes its doors, marking the end of an era. As the Las Vegas Strip continues to evolve, Tropicana’s legacy as a pioneer in entertainment and luxury will forever be etched into the history of the city that never sleeps.
- October 2024: As the Tropicana makes way for the future home of A’s and an exciting new entertainment resort destination by Bally’s, its legacy will live on as a symbol of the reinvention, glamour, and excitement that have always defined the Las Vegas Strip.
*History of the Tropicana Las Vegas photo credit: Bally’s Corporation
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