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The Implosion Of The Tropicana Las Vegas 

The Implosion Of The Tropicana Las Vegas 

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When was the Tropicana Las Vegas implosion?

The Tropicana Las Vegas, a legend in its own right, vanished into Las Vegas’s iconic history with a grand implosion on October 9th, 2024, at 2:30 am PT. Illuminating the Vegas skyline with a spectacular drone and fireworks display, followed by the 22-second implosion.

This wasn’t just a demolition. It was a spectacle of vibrant colors against the Las Vegas skyline, a grand farewell to a 67-year-old vintage Vegas hotel, and a celebration of new beginnings. 

When was the Tropicana Las Vegas implosion?
A new chapter for Las Vegas

Tropicana Las Vegas demolished

The Tropicana, the last casino of its era on the Las Vegas Strip, was demolished. The implosion involved:

  • Two 22-story towers (the Paradise and Club towers) totaling 917,400 square feet requiring 22,000 lineal feet of detonating cord. 
  • The Paradise Tower, with a structural steel frame, had 220 cut-point locations loaded with 490 pounds of explosives.
  • The Club Tower, with a reinforced concrete frame, had 1,130 boreholes filled with 1,700 pounds of explosives.
  • Controlled Demolition, Inc. (CDI) and GGG Demolition facilitated the implosion, and two leaders in large-scale demolitions.
Tropicana Las Vegas demolished

This moment of the Tropicana’s implosion encapsulates the essence of Las Vegas and its constant evolution. The Tropicana’s final bow, marked by celebration, signifies Las Vegas’s unending quest for reinvention and the promise of future landmarks in its place.

Tropicana Las Vegas implosion things to know

Tropicana Las Vegas implosion things to know

When did the Tropicana close?

The Tropicana Las Vegas closed its doors and said goodbye after its final day on Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024. As a local, I was there on its last day to pay my respects to a Las Vegas legend and the third oldest hotel on The Strip.

When did the Tropicana close?

You can find more information about the Tropicana’s closure and the future developments planned for the site in my post HERE. This post provides a comprehensive look at the Tropicana’s final days from my perspective as a longtime Vegas traveler and local. I share photo renderings of what will replace it.

Why did the Tropicana Las Vegas close?

Why did the Tropicana Las Vegas close?

The closure of the Tropicana Las Vegas was part of a larger plan to revitalize the Las Vegas Strip and introduce new, modern attractions.

Why was Tropicana demolished?

The hotel was demolished to be replaced by a state-of-the-art ballpark for the A’s and a new entertainment resort developed in partnership with Bally’s Corporation. These developments aim to solidify Las Vegas as a top destination, highlighting the city’s ongoing evolution and dedication to providing world-class experiences for all visitors. 

When was the Tropicana’s opening date?
Tropicana Las Vegas 1976 exterior – photo credit Bally’s Corporation

When was the Tropicana’s opening date?

The Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas, affectionately known as “The Trop,” 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 opulence, quickly earning it the moniker “The Tiffany of The Strip.” 

At its opening, the Tropicana boasted the largest casino in Las Vegas, attracting high-rollers and celebrities. Over the years, it has remained an iconic fixture on The Strip, representing the evolution of entertainment, luxury, and gaming in the city for over six decades. From its Rat Pack-era heyday and the glamorous Folies Bergère to its future as the home of the Athletics and a cutting-edge entertainment complex by Bally’s Corporation, the Tropicana’s history reflects the spirit of reinvention and excitement that defines Las Vegas.

Tropicana Las Vegas last day April 2, 2024
Here I am on Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024, the day the Tropicana Las Vegas closed its doors and said goodbye.

A new chapter for Las Vegas

The Tropicana Las Vegas implosion marks an iconic change in the city’s skyline and historical narrative. The excitement that envelops the city now is a testament to its enduring allure and promise of the extraordinary.

The Implosion Of The Tropicana Las Vegas

In its brilliant reinvention, Las Vegas continues to captivate and enchant, solidifying its stance as a city that never stands still! 

*Tropicana Las Vegas implosion photo credit and drone images: Denise Truscello/Getty Images and GGG Demolition

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Thank you!
—Shaunda Necole

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Las Vegas Implosion Of The Tropicana