A Grand Farewell: The Implosion of the Tropicana

In a breathtaking display at dawn on Wednesday, Las Vegas said a fond farewell to the Tropicana, the last remaining iconic mob-era building on the Strip, through a spectacular implosion that left it in ruins. This event marked the first casino implosion in nearly a decade in a city famous for its endless reinventions and dramatic changes.

The implosion was not just a demolition; it was a grand celebration, complemented by a remarkable fireworks display that lit up the morning sky. “Las Vegas has a knack for turning these implosions into major spectacles,” remarked Geoff Schumacher, a noted historian and vice president of exhibits and programs at the Mob Museum. Indeed, the act of blowing up casinos has become as integral to the Las Vegas identity as the games of chance that draw millions each year.

A Tradition of Spectacle

The tradition of television spectacles surrounding casino demolitions was ignited in 1993 with the implosion of the Dunes by former casino mogul Steve Wynn, making way for the iconic Bellagio. Wynn’s theatrical approach, which included a storyline of pirate ships attacking the casino, established a trend that continues to generate public interest in such events. The last implosion on the Strip occurred in 2016, when the Riviera was brought down to make space for a new convention center.

A New Era for Las Vegas

This most recent implosion will pave the way for a $1.5 billion baseball stadium for the relocating Oakland Athletics, as Las Vegas continues its transformation into a thriving sports hub. The demolition leaves the Flamingo as the sole remnant of the city’s mob past on the Strip; however, even its origins have been thoroughly modernized, as it was completely rebuilt in the 1990s.

The Tropicana, recognized as the third-oldest casino on the Strip, enjoyed a storied 67-year run before closing its doors last April. Originally dubbed the “Tiffany of the Strip” for its luxurious design, it was a favorite haunt of the legendary Rat Pack and has long been embedded in Las Vegas folklore due to its connections with organized crime.

The Legacy of the Tropicana

When it opened in 1957, the Tropicana featured three stories and 300 hotel rooms. As the city’s landscape transformed through the decades—especially with the rise of megaresorts in the 1990s—the Tropicana adapted as well, adding two hotel towers and a stunning $1 million green-and-amber stained glass ceiling installed in 1979.

Despite numerous renovations, the original low-rise hotel wings remained intact, signaling its significance as the last authentic mob structure on the Strip. Behind its glamorous façade, the Tropicana had deep connections to organized crime—most notably with reputed mobster Frank Costello. Following his shooting in New York shortly after the casino's launch, authorities uncovered evidence of the mob's financial interest in the establishment.

By the 1970s, investigations into Kansas City's mobsters led to charges against numerous individuals for attempting to skim $2 million in gambling revenue from Las Vegas casinos, including the Tropicana itself.

A Sentimental Goodbye

While there were no designated viewing areas for the implosion, fans and former guests had the opportunity to say their goodbyes to this vintage Vegas relic back in April. “Old Vegas, it’s going,” shared a sentimental Joe Zappulla from New Jersey, tears in his eyes, as he departed from the legendary casino just before it closed its doors for good.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Las Vegas

With the Tropicana gone, Las Vegas not only closes a chapter of its storied history but embarks on new ventures aimed at further solidifying its status as a nexus of entertainment, sports, and recreation. As the city moves forward, its blend of history and modernity continues to captivate visitors and residents alike. What thrilling transformations are on the horizon for Las Vegas? Stay tuned to find out!