January 14th 2025: The Tropicana Las Vegas was a historic hotel and casino located on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada. Known for its tropical theme and long-standing presence in Las Vegas, the Tropicana has a rich history that reflects the evolution of the city itself.
Early Years and Opening
- 1955: Construction began on the Tropicana, conceived by Ben Jaffe, a Miami hotelier who wanted to bring a taste of tropical luxury to the growing Las Vegas Strip.
- 1957: The Tropicana officially opened on April 4, featuring 300 rooms and a distinctive South Seas theme. At the time, it was one of the most luxurious resorts on the Strip, aiming to attract high-end clientele.
- The resort’s name and ambiance were inspired by the allure of tropical destinations, setting it apart from the Western and desert themes popular in Las Vegas at the time.
1960s: Growth and Mob Ties
- During the 1960s, the Tropicana gained a reputation for elegance but also became entangled in organized crime. Mob figures were suspected of skimming profits from the casino, a common practice in Las Vegas during this era.
- 1969: The U.S. government launched investigations into mob activities, and the Tropicana was implicated, leading to changes in ownership and management.
1970s–1980s: Renovations and Expansions
- 1970s: Ramada Inns purchased the Tropicana, marking a shift toward corporate ownership. The resort underwent renovations and expansions to remain competitive as new mega-resorts emerged on the Strip.
- 1980s: The Tropicana added new features, including a high-rise tower and the famous Folies Bergère show, a Vegas institution that ran for nearly 50 years before closing in 2009. These additions helped the Tropicana maintain its appeal during an era of increasing competition.
1990s: Decline Amidst a Changing Las Vegas
- By the 1990s, the Tropicana began to struggle as newer, larger resorts like the Mirage, MGM Grand, and Bellagio set a new standard for luxury and entertainment on the Strip.
- Efforts to modernize the property during this period were limited, and the Tropicana’s reputation suffered as it was perceived as outdated compared to its competitors.
2000s: Ownership Changes and Revitalization
- 2002: Aztar Corporation, the owner at the time, was acquired by Columbia Sussex. Plans were announced for a significant redevelopment of the Tropicana, but they were abandoned due to financial difficulties.
- 2009: On the brink of bankruptcy, the Tropicana was sold to a group led by Onex Corporation. Under new ownership, the resort underwent a $200 million renovation.
2010s: New Life and Modernization
- 2011: Renovations were completed, refreshing the Tropicana’s image with updated rooms, a redesigned casino, and new dining and entertainment options. The resort emphasized its tropical theme with bright colors and a modern aesthetic.
- 2015: Penn National Gaming (now Penn Entertainment) purchased the Tropicana for $360 million, adding it to its portfolio of gaming properties.
2020s: A New Chapter
- 2021: Bally’s Corporation announced plans to acquire the Tropicana from Penn Entertainment in a deal valued at $308 million. Bally’s has expressed intentions to redevelop or completely rebuild the property to keep pace with modern Las Vegas trends.
- 2023: The Tropicana was identified as the future site for a new Major League Baseball stadium for the Oakland Athletics, pending approvals. This development could significantly transform the property and its role on the Strip.
Legacy
The Tropicana Las Vegas is one of the last remaining landmarks from the golden age of the Strip. Despite its challenges over the years, it holds a special place in the history of Las Vegas as a symbol of the city’s evolution from a gambling town to a global entertainment capital.
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