Las Vegas’ Tropicana Hotel-Casino Demolition Advances with Implosion Plans

The operator of the Tropicana hotel-casino in Las Vegas, Bally’s Corp., has applied for a commercial implosion permit to Clark County officials, putting the building scheduled for demolition. The permission specifies that a 22-story concrete tower and a 22-story steel tower will implode simultaneously as part of the destruction.

The implosion is anticipated to occur in October, according to a Bally’s representative, though the timing is still unknown. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the demolition will be carried out by Controlled Demolition Inc., a Maryland-based company with prior expertise tearing down buildings on the Las Vegas Strip. A demolition permit had been originally given by Clark County on April 20, with an October 20 deadline for the $15 million project’s completion.

End of an Era and Future Developments

The Tropicana hotel-casino, which closed its doors on April 2 just shy of its 67th anniversary, will be completely dismantled by the end of this year. The iconic resort, which opened in 1957 and was known for its association with the Rat Pack, is making way for new developments.

In a related development, the Oakland Athletics of Major League Baseball (MLB) are planning to build a $1.5 billion, 33,000-seat ballpark on part of the 36-acre Tropicana site. The new stadium will feature views of the Las Vegas Strip. Bally’s and landowner Gaming & Leisure Properties Inc. have confirmed that the Athletics will receive nine acres for the stadium, while the remaining area will be used for future casino resort development.

Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim explained that the decision to close the Tropicana was timed to coincide with the end of the peak tourist season, allowing for ample preparation time ahead of the redevelopment. Kim emphasized that the plan had been in the works for some time, ensuring a smooth transition for the property’s transformation.

The closure and impending demolition mark the end of an era for the Tropicana, a staple of Las Vegas’ history for over six decades. The site’s transformation is set to bring new life and modern attractions to the iconic location, aligning with Las Vegas’ continual evolution and growth.