Tropicana Las Vegas: A Grand Goodbye in a Fiery Implosion
In the early hours of Wednesday, Las Vegas ushered in a new era by dramatically imploding the iconic Tropicana Las Vegas hotel tower. This event marked the end of an era, as it was the last standing monument to the mob’s storied legacy on the Las Vegas Strip. The implosion was not just a demolition; it was a spectacle, complete with a dazzling fireworks display that captivated locals and visitors alike.
The Tropicana, once known as the “Tiffany of the Strip” for its opulence, had stood for 67 years, serving as a hot spot for legendary figures like the Rat Pack. This casino, which opened in 1957, was the third oldest on the Strip, showcasing a rich history intertwined with the mob. It was a location where history was made, and its façade was a testament to Las Vegas’s rapid evolution over the decades. Notably, it was the only remaining original mob structure on the Strip following extensive renovations and the expansion of mega-resorts.
The implosion on Wednesday was significant as it paved the way for a new $1.5 billion baseball stadium for the relocating Oakland Athletics. This development reflects Las Vegas’s current transformation into a thriving sports hub, furthering its identity beyond just gambling. Historian and vice president of the Mob Museum, Geoff Schumacher, described the event as a classic Las Vegas performance, highlighting the city’s flair for turning demolitions into public spectacles.
The tradition of casino implosions in Las Vegas gained popularity in the early 1990s, propelled by casino mogul Steve Wynn who orchestrated the first televised implosion of the Dunes in 1993. Since then, such events have become part of the city’s cultural fabric, offering a blend of nostalgia and anticipation for new beginnings.
The Tropicana’s history is steeped in the legacy of organized crime. Behind its glamorous image lay deep connections to mob figures, including Frank Costello. Shortly after the hotel opened, Costello survived an assassination attempt, leading to investigations that uncovered the mob’s financial interests in the resort. The casino’s association with organized crime was further underscored by federal investigations in the 1970s targeting skimming operations that funneled millions in gambling revenue from the Tropicana and other casinos.
As Las Vegas continues to evolve, the implosion of the Tropicana serves as a poignant reminder of the city’s rich history while symbolizing its commitment to innovation and new opportunities. Although no public viewing areas were available for the actual implosion, many had an opportunity to bid a heartfelt farewell when the hotel closed its doors in April.
As we look back at the Tropicana, it’s clear that its legacy will endure in the memories of those who experienced the charm of Old Vegas. With the Tropicana’s destruction, only the Flamingo remains from the mob era, but even this landmark has undergone extensive renovations over the years.
The Tropicana may be reduced to rubble, but its story will forever be etched in the annals of Las Vegas history, enriching the narrative of a city that thrives on transformation and reinvention.
