The iconic Tropicana casino on the Las Vegas Strip has closed its doors permanently after 67 years of operation, marking the end of an era for the city’s third-oldest casino. On Tuesday, employees and patrons gathered for a poignant farewell, sharing tears and memories as the final moments were commemorated behind a yellow barrier. As security guards secured the doors with chains, the crowd passed around tissues, a testament to many’s deep connections with the establishment.
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According to the Associated Press, the hotel is scheduled for demolition this October to make way for a modern $1.5 billion Major League Baseball stadium, signaling Las Vegas’ ongoing transformation into a sports and entertainment hub. . The Tropicana opened its doors when Clark County’s population had just topped 100,000, and the Strip was still a desert frontier. With an initial investment of $15 million, the casino boasted lush gardens and an elaborate showroom and became known as the “Tiffany of the Strip” for its elegance and charm. Over the years, it hosted a parade of celebrities and legendary performers, contributing to Las Vegas’s reputation as a premier entertainment destination.
The Tropicana, a renowned hotel and casino in Las Vegas, underwent several upgrades and extensions over the years to keep up with the changing trends and demands of the city while still preserving its original appeal. Although it had some connections to organized crime in the past, it enjoyed many years of prosperity and was renowned for hosting “Folies Bergere,” the longest-running show in the city.
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As the Tropicana prepares for its next chapter, the story of Las Vegas continues to evolve. The new baseball stadium is part of the city’s expansion into a sports entertainment capital, joining the ranks of the NFL’s Raiders and the NHL’s Golden Knights in calling Las Vegas home. While opinions vary on the casino’s closure, the consensus is clear: Las Vegas is a city of perpetual reinvention, always moving toward the future while honoring its past.
Las Vegas residents shared their reactions on social media and expressed how the Tropicana has played a role in their lives.