The iconic Tropicana hotel and casino which has had a home on the Las Vegas strip for the last 67 years has officially closed its doors today (April 2).
Since its opening in 1957, A-list Hollywood actors and stars have frequented the hotspot and it has certainly earned its place in the infamous Sin City.
It even appears in the 1971 James Bond Diamonds Are Forever film, with Sean Connery’s character staying in a swanky suite and saying “I hear that the Hotel Tropicana is quite comfortable.”
This lavish casino shut at noon today and will be demolished in October to make space for a $1.5 billion Major League Baseball stadium.
In its heyday, the hotel was the most expensive in Las Vegas resort history, but years of scandals and run-ins with the law ultimately tarnished its reputation.
Arik Knowles, Tropicana’s VP and manager, said in a note to staff (as reported by the Daily Mail): “While this is a great opportunity for the company it comes with a bittersweet feeling as this means that operations at the Tropicana Las Vegas will shut down for redevelopment.”
Las Vegas to rebrand as a hub for sports entertainment
Las Vegas is eager to become more than just a gambling center as there’s been a massive investment and focus into sports.
Its latest upgrades and updates include a new entertainment area and even bringing major league games to the city including the recently hosted Super Bowl 58.
A Formula One Grand Prix is now held along the strip too, with the first having taken place in 2023. This race is contracted to continue until at least 2025. Further talks suggest this could be extended to 2032, although no continuations have yet been confirmed.
Featured Image: Photo by Mary Hammel on Unsplash