Consumption

When the Tropicana opened on April 4, 1957, it was the most expensive Las Vegas resort developed up to that point. The casino started at just 300 rooms, later reaching a gigantic 4,000 m² surface, and nearly 1,500 rooms over successive expansions. The level of work in the resort led to it being known as the “Tiffany of the Strip”. It notably ran the Folies Bergères show for nearly 50 years. Stars that appeared there included Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Sammy Davi Jr and the Mamma Mia show.

But all things must come to an end, specially in Las Vegas. The hotel had struggled over the years, often changing hands and therefore commercial strategies. It gradually lost its appeal. Other venues such as the Bellagio were far grander and more attractive.

Although it was still profitable at the end, the closure of the Tropicana after nearly 70 years was inevitable. Las Vegas had changed since the resort opened, and the landowners decided to demolish the building to make way for a new baseball stadium – an indication of how the city is re-defining itself.

The final demolition took place on the night of October 9, 2024.

(Michael Leahy. Photo: DPA  picture alliance / Capital Pictures | DeeCee Carter/MPI)