The historic Tropicana Las Vegas is set to be demolished on October 9, 2024, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Las Vegas. The space will be used to build a cutting-edge stadium for the Oakland Athletics, with plans for Bally’s Corporation to develop a top-notch entertainment resort on the site. This significant change will reshape the landscape of Las Vegas in a major way.
The demolition of the iconic hotel-casino, a landmark on the Las Vegas Strip since 1957, will be accompanied by a spectacular show. Fireworks by Grucci will guide over 500 drones to illuminate the sky, followed by a dazzling fireworks display, giving the Tropicana a memorable send-off. Due to safety concerns, there will be no live audience to witness the event in person. However, it will be broadcast live online through the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and Bally Live, allowing everyone to watch the event from afar.
In a recent press release, Soo Kim, chairman of Bally’s Corporation, reflected on the Tropicana’s history, noting its role in pioneering the Las Vegas Strip and setting the stage for the extravagant shows that the city is known for today. Kim expressed excitement about the future of the iconic site, which will soon be home to Major League Baseball, the Athletics, and a new entertainment complex, symbolizing the evolution of the Strip.
The Tropicana made a grand entrance onto the scene when it first opened, featuring a luxurious South Beach-style design that attracted big-name stars and set a new standard for luxury. For over 60 years, it has been a symbol of the ever-evolving entertainment and gambling scene in Las Vegas. The demolition of the Tropicana signifies a fresh start for the Las Vegas Strip, as Bally’s Corporation plans to transform the 10-acre plot into a state-of-the-art entertainment resort.
Controlled Demolition, Inc. (CDI) will be responsible for the implosion of the Tropicana. With a wealth of experience in demolishing large structures in Clark County, the demolition process will involve 490 pounds of explosives for the steel Paradise Tower and 1,700 pounds of explosives for the concrete-framed Club Tower. The demolition sequence is expected to last about 22 seconds, culminating in a spectacular collapse of both towers.
