The iconic Tropicana Las Vegas hotel, a staple of the city's famous strip since 1957, has begun the demolition process to make room for a lavish $1.5 billion Major League Baseball ballpark.
The US Sun reported that in a historic shift for Las Vegas Boulevard, the iconic Tropicana hotel is being dismantled for a sprawling new MLB ballpark set to open in 2028.
Demolition on the Tropicana Las Vegas hotel and casino kicked off as the property has already seen internal gutting, including asbestos treatment in every room, to prepare for its final implosion scheduled for October of this year.
Since its grand opening in 1957, the Tropicana has been an illustrious feature of the Las Vegas skyline, boasting 1,467 rooms, each furnished with a balcony providing breathtaking views. Its architecture was renowned for mosaic tiles, mahogany panels, and a distinctive tulip-shaped fountain in the lobby. However, the property closed permanently on April 2, and the demolition permit was filed with Clark County on July 11, marking the end of an era.
The process of dismantling the Tropicana has been underway for some time now, with asbestos removal a significant step that has already been completed over the recent months. This precaution was necessary before the final teardown ensuring environmental and public safety.
Replacing the Tropicana will be a state-of-the-art MLB ballpark featuring a seating capacity of 33,000 and estimated to cost $1.5 billion, partly funded with $380 million in public money. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, who fully endorsed the project last summer, described it as "an incredible opportunity to bring the A's to Nevada."
The planning reflects extensive negotiations among the Las Vegas community, state officials, and the sports world, aiming to transform the landscape of Nevada's entertainment and sports scene.
The complete implosion of the Tropicana, including the 22-story Paradise Tower, is a meticulously scheduled event for October. This visual spectacle will officially pave the way for construction activities, ushering in a new chapter on the Las Vegas Strip.
Until the stadium in Las Vegas is ready, the Oakland Athletics will play their games at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento. West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero expressed pride in hosting the A's, acknowledging significant economic benefits. A's owner, John Fisher, also thanked the Kings and West Sacramento for their support during this transitional phase.
Amidst hefty anticipation, the MLB ballpark is expected to open in 2028. In response to these developments, A's owner, Fisher, expressed eagerness to make Las Vegas the new permanent home for Athletics, indicating a robust future for the team and the local community.
In summary, the Tropicana Las Vegas hotel's demolition marks a crucial step in not merely changing part of the Las Vegas Strip's landscape but also altering its long-standing identity. The move to construct a new ballpark reflects both an end and a beginning — the end of a historical period marked by the Tropicana and the birth of a potential new sporting pinnacle in Las Vegas. This project, interlaced with significant economic expectations and cultural shifts, promises to draw travelers and baseball fans from across the globe, significantly impacting the city's tourist dynamics and local economy.
