Tropicana Hotel Imploded for New MLB Stadium in Las Vegas
The legendary Tropicana Hotel and Casino, a fixture on the Las Vegas Strip since 1957, was imploded earlier this week in a spectacular event that lasted just 22 seconds, marking the end of an era and paving the way for new developments in the area.
Built over nearly 70 years, the Tropicana had established a significant reputation in the entertainment capital of the world. However, its closure signifies a transformative shift, as the land will not be replaced by another hotel but instead repurposed for a Major League Baseball stadium. Las Vegas has long sought to attract an expansion franchise or relocate an existing team, and it seems to have succeeded, as the Oakland Athletics are set to move to Las Vegas in 2028.
Arik Knowles, general manager and vice president of hospitality at the Tropicana, addressed spectators during the implosion, stating, “Let’s not think of it as an ending but as the beginning of something even greater.” This sentiment encapsulates the ongoing evolution of Las Vegas, a city renowned for its ability to reinvent itself.
The recent implosion marks the first such event on the Strip in nearly a decade. The anticipation surrounding the demolition was palpable, with room rates at the nearby Mandalay Bay Hotel spiking to $699 the night before the event, a significant increase from the usual rate of around $80.
Steve Crupi, a former TV news reporter, reflected on the spectacle, noting, “There’s something magical about implosions. A structure that big being brought down in as little as five seconds? It just seems impossible. And yet they do it with such precision and artistry that it really is just more than an act of demolition. It’s a work of art.”
The new MLB stadium will further solidify Las Vegas’s status as a major sports destination, joining a lineup that already includes a NASCAR race, a Formula 1 race, professional hockey, and the relocated Oakland Raiders football team. The stadium is expected to seat 33,000 fans and come with an estimated price tag of $1.5 billion, reflecting the city’s commitment to expanding its professional sports landscape.
As Las Vegas continues to evolve, the site of the Tropicana will soon give way to a new chapter, showcasing the city’s dedication to innovation and entertainment.
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