Vegas has said goodbye Tropicana for the last time with a stunning display that lit up the Las Vegas skyline with a spectacular drone and fireworks show, followed by the dramatic 22-second implosion of its iconic towers at 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9. This landmark event ushers in a new chapter for Las Vegas, paving the way for a state-of-the-art ballpark for the Athletics and a world-class entertainment resort in collaboration with Bally’s Corporation, a name synonymous with Vegas hospitality and gaming.
As the last remaining casino from its era on the Strip, the Tropicana’s implosion involved its two 22-story towers, covering 917,400 square feet and utilizing 22,000 feet of detonating cord. The Paradise Tower, with its structural steel frame, featured 220 cut-point locations packed with 490 pounds of explosives, while the reinforced concrete-framed Club Tower had 1,130 boreholes filled with 1,700 pounds of explosives. The implosion was expertly managed by Controlled Demolition and GGG Demolition, both leaders in large-scale demolitions.
Before the explosion, a special goodbye Tropicana ceremony celebrated the legacy of the resort while looking ahead to the future. Speakers included Bally’s Corporation Chairman Soo Kim, Athletics owner John Fisher, Tropicana Las Vegas General Manager Arik Knowles, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority CEO Steve Hill, and Clark County Commissioner Jim Gibson. Following the ceremony, the Tropicana was honored with a mesmerizing display of 555 drones and fireworks, crafted by the renowned Fireworks by Grucci.
Opened in 1957 and often referred to as “The Trop,” the resort has been a cornerstone of the Strip. Developed by Miami businessman Ben Jaffe, its luxurious South Beach-inspired architecture and tropical theme set a new standard for opulence, quickly earning it the title “The Tiffany of the Strip.” It was home to the largest casino in Las Vegas at the time, attracting high-rollers and celebrities.
For over six decades, the Tropicana stood as an emblem of the evolution of entertainment, luxury, and gaming in the city. From its Rat Pack-era glamour and the enchanting Folies Bergère to its future as the home of the Athletics and a cutting-edge entertainment complex, the Tropicana’s story embodies the spirit of reinvention and excitement that defines Las Vegas. So, for one last time, we at This Week in Gambling say goodbye Tropicana. You were amazing in your time, and a true classic.