For the first time in nearly a decade, a Las Vegas Strip landmark is set to go out in spectacular fashion: The Tropicana is scheduled for implosion on October 9, Bally’s Corporation officials confirmed this week.
The Tropicana, one of the oldest and most iconic hotels on the Strip, closed its doors in April to make way for the proposed Oakland A’s stadium.
According to Clark County building permit records, the implosion will bring down the “22-story reinforced concrete Tropicana Club Tower and the 22-story structural steel Tropicana Tower.”
The demolition is set for 2:30 a.m., as such events typically occur during the early morning hours to minimize disruptions to traffic and nearby residents.
The Tropicana, which opened in April 1957, has a storied past, including ties to organized crime.
Once dubbed the “Tiffany of the Strip,” the hotel has fallen into disrepair in recent years as its ownership group, Bally’s Corp., recognized the land’s real estate value outweighed the casino’s worth.
They found a partner in the Oakland A’s, whose ownership was eager to relocate the team from Oakland. Though the stadium plan remains controversial and uncertain, team officials aim for a 2028 opening.
The last casino on the Strip to meet an explosive fate was the Riviera, which was demolished after a celebratory fireworks display in 2016. Another notable demolition occurred at the New Frontier in November 2007.
The Frontier, which opened in 1942, lacked the grandeur of more famous resorts but holds historical significance as the site of Elvis Presley’s and Liberace’s Las Vegas debuts.
Wynn Resorts, which owns the property, chose to demolish it in 2007 to make way for a new casino, a project that has yet to materialize. This left the site an empty lot next to the Trump International Hotel.
Good news for history enthusiasts: the Tropicana’s iconic stained-glass ceiling was carefully removed months ago and stored for future use.
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Biden targets Resort Fees
The Las Vegas Strip has become a focal point in President Joe Biden’s campaign against hidden fees.
The president has been actively pushing to eliminate so-called “junk fees” and has urged companies to be transparent about the total cost of their services.
For example, cable TV and internet providers often advertise low prices without mentioning mandatory fees for things like broadcast networks and regional sports channels.
Hence, consumers know exactly what they’re paying for. Some industries have resisted this effort.
This can lead consumers to believe they’re paying one price, only to be hit with unexpected charges on their bills. In some instances, these hidden fees can double the advertised price.
While this practice is legal, Biden has been working to make it illegal.
The U.S. cruise industry has already made strides by including port charges, taxes, and fees in their advertised prices, ensuring customers know the full cost of their trips before purchasing.
While this might result in higher upfront prices, it offers a more accurate reflection of the actual cost of the vacation.
Biden has also called on hotels and resorts to display their full daily rates, including any mandatory resort fees before customers book their stays.
These resort fees, which can cost up to $90 a night, often cover amenities like pools, Wi-Fi, and gyms—whether guests use them or not.
During his State of the Union address, Biden emphasized, “We’re going to ban surprise resort fees that hotels charge on your bill.”
Circa adding more rooms
Circa Resort & Casino in downtown Las Vegas is set to increase its room capacity by 106, with new additions scheduled to begin in October.
The expansion includes four suites and 102 standard guest rooms, bringing the total number of rooms at the casino hotel to 618.
The privately-owned Circa will open these new accommodations gradually, one floor at a time.
Circa, which opened in October 2020, is the highest-rated property in downtown Las Vegas and was the first new casino hotel built from the ground up in that area of the city in several decades.
When Stevens and his partners initially filed plans for Circa with Clark County, the project was envisioned to eventually include 777 rooms—assuming only standard rooms without suites.
However, Stevens noted that this number wouldn’t be reached.
Circa opened its doors in October 2020, facing the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
These difficulties extended into 2021 and part of 2022, but with some creative leadership from Stevens, Circa has thrived as Las Vegas returned to normal post-pandemic.
Circa’s status as an adults-only property, combined with one of the largest sportsbooks in the world, has solidified its place as one of the most upscale casino hotels in downtown Las Vegas.
Tony is a pro sports journalist who dedicates most of his free time to watching the latest matches and games on TV. Tony enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and basketball when he's not participating in sports-related activities or seeing his friends.
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