In the early hours of Wednesday, the iconic Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas made its dramatic exit from the skyline during a demolition operation that featured a dazzling fireworks display. The 22-story structure came down in a spectacle that resembled a theatrical performance, capturing the attention of many.
According to the Associated Press, this type of demolition carries historical significance, tracing back to the influential casino mogul Steve Wynn. In 1993, he transformed such demolition events into entertainment showcases when he leveled the Dunes, making way for the Bellagio. Wynn made headlines by broadcasting the explosion live, likening it to a pirate ship attacking the Dunes from a nearby casino.
The last similar explosive demolition on the Strip took place in 2016 when the final tower of the Riviera was taken down to accommodate an expansion of the convention center.
The Tropicana’s demolition is linked to the planned relocation of the Oakland Athletics’ $1.5 billion stadium project. With a rich history, the Tropicana was the third oldest casino on the Strip, operating for 67 years before shutting down in April of this year. Its opulent décor earned it the nickname “the Tiffany of the Strip.” The casino was a favorite haunt of the legendary Rat Pack and has ties to organized crime, famously co-owned by mob boss Frank Costello.
While Wednesday’s demolition was not open to the public, many fans had already come to the Tropicana to say their goodbyes back in April, reflecting on the casino’s storied past.
