Tropicana Announces Demolition Date: 12 Stunning Photos To Remember ‘The Trop’
The once-stunning Tropicana Las Vegas will crumble into dust on Oct. 9 — the official date for the hotel’s demolition. According to Fox 5, Bally’s Corporation has planned the Trop’s…
A portion of the 4,000 square-foot stained-glass ceiling is seen over gaming machines at the Tropicana Las Vegas. This roof was loved by many and was a major spectacle at the resort.
David Becker via Getty ImagesThe once-stunning Tropicana Las Vegas will crumble into dust on Oct. 9 -- the official date for the hotel's demolition.
According to Fox 5, Bally's Corporation has planned the Trop's demolition for Oct. 9. But in true Vegas style, the "implosion celebration" will feature a firework and drone show that will honor the Tropicana and sparkle up the skyline. After the show, the hotel will implode at a scheduled time of 2:30 a.m. on Oct. 9.
8 News Now reports the Tropicana officially closed on April 2. The county issued a commercial demolition permit in April as well, and there were efforts to remove asbestos from the hotel. Now, the hotel will be imploded, which will most likely turn into a huge watch party among locals and tourists.
Demolition Of The Tropicana Marks New Start: Let's Remember The Rich History
History has poured into The Tropicana's doors. From attempted assassination attempts that altered its history, big wins, major shows and so much more, the demolition of the property marks an end to one of the "OG" resorts on The Strip.
According to the Neon Museum, The Tropicana was the most expensive hotel ever built during that time in 1957. The most expensive hotel built before The Tropicana was the Riviera Hotel & Casino, which cost $10 million and was built in 1955. The Tropicana cost $15 million to complete. Celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Dean Martin often went to the hotel, helping the property elevate its status and be dubbed the "Tiffany of The Strip."
Mob Ties Change Perception
The mob connections also crept throughout the hotel during its golden era. The Neon Museum further states that Frank Costello, also known as the mob boss of the Luciano crime family, was known to have "interests in the casino."
The Mob Museum further reported that Vincent “Chin” Gigante allegedly tried to assassinate Frank Costello in New York. However, this assassination attempt was a botched one, and the wound to Costello's head was superficial. Although this situation happened in New York, the connections and the incident changed the perception of the property forever.
Remembering The Famous Shows At The Trop
There have been so many famous shows that had a run at The Trop. One of the most iconic shows was the Folies Bergere burlesque show, which ran its course for nearly 50 years. In an interview with Fox 5, one of the former dancers said the mob often protected the performers and ensured their safety. The show was produced, imported and featured cast members from Paris.
It was a show that truly innovated entertainment and the connection of glitz and glamour with gaming. The days of gambling shifted from those quiet, smoky and dusty illegal clubs. The addition of performances, like the Folies Bergere show, marked a change in Vegas culture. Without showgirls, Vegas wouldn't be as fabulous. Eventually, the famous French burlesque show closed its curtains in 2009, Fox 5 reports.
Other venues sprouted throughout the property. The Laugh Factory Las Vegas featured a plethora of famous comedians. Illusionists Siegfried and Roy debuted their show at The Trop, and the hotel even had a cameo in the James Bond movie "Diamonds Are Forever."
The rich and sparkling history of this beloved property will soon join the neon graveyard and the textbooks of Las Vegas archives. Scroll down to enjoy some stunning photos of The Trop's former glory.
The Folies Bergere Revue
Ethan Miller via Getty ImagesLAS VEGAS - MAY 05: A general view of the Tropicana Resort & Casino May 5, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Casino operator Tropicana Entertainment LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection following a missed interest payment on a USD 1.32 billion loan. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Nevada Boxing Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony
Ethan Miller via Getty ImagesLAS VEGAS, NV - AUGUST 09: Former boxers Roberto Duran (L) and Sugar Ray Leonard arrive at the second annual Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame induction gala at the New Tropicana Las Vegas on August 9, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Leonard inducted Duran at the ceremony. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The Time The Trop Had Monster Truck Weddings
Microsoft via Getty ImagesFrom monster trucks to wedding bells, newlyweds Scott and Alicia White catch a ride in style as they depart for their honeymoon from Microsoft's Monster Truck Madness 2 Tournament held at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. The tournament, played using Microsoft's critically-acclaimed Monster Truck Madness 2 racing simulation game, is the culmination of months of intense online competition held via the Internet Gaming Zone. (photo by Microsoft)
This Picture Gives Us 2000s Nostalgia
Ethan Miller via Getty ImagesLAS VEGAS - JUNE 30: Exterior photo of the Tropicana Resort and Casino June 30, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Beautiful Theatrics: Thank You For Entertaining Las Vegas For 67 Years
Ethan Miller via Getty ImagesLAS VEGAS, NV - APRIL 13: Dancers perform during the grand opening of "Dancing With the Stars: Live in Las Vegas" at the New Tropicana Las Vegas April 13, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for AEG Live)
Opening Of Wayne Newton's "Once Before I Go"
Ethan Miller via Getty ImagesLAS VEGAS - OCTOBER 28: Actor/comedian Drew Carey (L) and television personality and model Holly Madison arrive at the opening of Wayne Newton's limited-engagement production "Once Before I Go" at the Tropicana Las Vegas October 28, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Tropicana)
The Time Disney Star Kyle Massey Took Over The Stage
Ethan Miller via Getty Images for AEG LiveLAS VEGAS, NV - APRIL 13: Actor Kyle Massey, (L) and dancer Lacey Schwimmer perform during the grand opening of "Dancing With the Stars: Live in Las Vegas" at the New Tropicana Las Vegas April 13, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for AEG Live)
"Dancing With The Stars: Live In Las Vegas" VIP Opening At The New Tropicana Las Vegas
Ethan Miller via Getty Images for AEG LiveLAS VEGAS, NV - APRIL 13: Las Vegas troupe dancers perform during the grand opening of "Dancing With the Stars: Live in Las Vegas" at the New Tropicana Las Vegas April 13, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for AEG Live)
Post Pandemic Re-Openings Were A Fever Dream
Ethan Miller via Getty ImagesLAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 17: Showgirl Kaleigh Jones poses next to a hand sanitizer dispenser at the main entrance to the Tropicana Las Vegas after the Las Vegas Strip resort reopened for the first time since mid-March because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on September 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Penn National Gaming, which manages the property under a lease agreement, originally planned to reopen the property on September 1 but pushed back those plans after reviewing the impact the pandemic had on demand for travel and room nights in Las Vegas. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
True Las Vegas Vibes
David Becker via Getty ImagesLAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 29: Vehicle traffic travels along Las Vegas Boulevard near the Tropicana Las Vegas on March 29, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The hotel-casino opened in 1957 and will close on April 2, 2024, to make way for a planned USD 1.5 billion, 33,000-seat domed stadium for Major League Baseball's Oakland Athletics and a related resort development by Bally's and Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. MLB owners approved the team's relocation to Nevada in November and the A's hope to move into the ballpark, which will occupy nine acres of the 35-acre site, in 2028. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
What's Vegas Without Showgirls?
Ethan Miller via Getty ImagesLAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 17: Showgirl Ciara Cornett wears a sequined mask as she greets guests at the Tropicana Las Vegas after the Las Vegas Strip resort reopened for the first time since mid-March because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on September 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Penn National Gaming, which manages the property under a lease agreement, originally planned to reopen the property on September 1 but pushed back those plans after reviewing the impact the pandemic had on demand for travel and room nights in Las Vegas. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Tropicana Resort In Las Vegas To Close, Making Way For New MLB Stadium
David Becker via Getty ImagesLAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 29: A portion of the 4,000 square-foot stained-glass ceiling is seen over gaming machines at the Tropicana Las Vegas on March 29, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The hotel-casino opened in 1957 and will close on April 2, 2024, to make way for a planned USD 1.5 billion, 33,000-seat domed stadium for Major League Baseball's Oakland Athletics and a related resort development by Bally's and Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. MLB owners approved the team's relocation to Nevada in November and the A's hope to move into the ballpark, which will occupy nine acres of the 35-acre site, in 2028. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
