The Tropicana Las Vegas, a landmark on the Strip, is set to close its doors on April 2, 2023, marking the end of an era after nearly 67 years of operation. This historic casino and hotel, known for its vibrant atmosphere and rich history, will be demolished to make way for a new baseball stadium and resort complex. The decision comes as part of a larger trend in Las Vegas, where iconic venues are being replaced with modern facilities to accommodate the city's evolving entertainment landscape.
As part of this transformation, the 44,000-square-foot casino and its 1,400-room hotel will be replaced by a 30,000-seat ballpark, which will become the new home of the Oakland Athletics. This transition reflects the increasing popularity of sports in Las Vegas, particularly following the successful relocations of other major teams, such as the NFL's Raiders and the NBA's Golden State Warriors.
The planned stadium is expected to attract over 2.5 million fans and visitors to the Las Vegas Strip each year, enhancing the region's appeal as a premier entertainment destination. Bally's, the Rhode Island-based owner of the Tropicana since 2022, has emphasized its commitment to creating a vibrant sports culture in the city, positioning Las Vegas as a significant player in the world of major league sports.
The Tropicana Las Vegas, which opened its doors on April 4, 1957, was once dubbed the "Tiffany of the Strip." It began as a 300-room hotel with a staggering $15 million price tag, making it the most expensive property in Las Vegas at the time. Over the decades, it has become a cultural icon, hosting legends such as Elvis Presley and serving as a backdrop for classic films like "Diamonds Are Forever" and "The Godfather."
Despite its storied past, the Tropicana's future is being reshaped with the development of the new stadium, which is projected to cost around $1.5 billion. The new venue is part of a broader strategy to revitalize the area and attract even more visitors to Las Vegas, which has seen significant changes in its entertainment landscape over the years. The upcoming closure will require the relocation of existing hotel bookings, but the promise of a new, vibrant sporting venue has many excited for what lies ahead.
