Las Vegas Bids Farewell To The Tropicana: A Historic Casino's Last Stand

Las Vegas said goodbye to the Tropicana casino early Wednesday morning, bringing down the last true mob-era structure on the Strip. Accompanied by fireworks, the implosion reduced the casino's hotel towers to rubble in a predawn spectacle. This marked the city's first major implosion since 2016 as part of a project to clear land for a $1.5 billion stadium for the Oakland Athletics baseball team. The team is relocating to Sin City as part of its push to become a sports hub.

The Tropicana Las Vegas, which had operated for 67 years before closing in April, was one of the Strip's oldest properties and a rare remnant of the city's colorful past. Opening its doors in 1957, the Tropicana quickly became known as the "Tiffany of the Strip," renowned for its luxurious design and celebrity clientele. Legendary figures like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. frequented the casino, making it a cornerstone of Las Vegas' entertainment history.

Despite its glamorous reputation, the Tropicana's history was marred by ties to organized crime. Notably, Italian American mobster Frank Costello held financial interests in the casino, and investigations during the 1970s revealed connections to broader criminal activities involving skimming operations across Las Vegas. The casino’s legacy is one of both allure and infamy, encapsulating the dual nature of Las Vegas itself.