Las Vegas bid farewell to one of its iconic Strip casinos, the Tropicana, with a dramatic implosion early Wednesday. Established in 1957, the Tropicana was dismantled as part of plans to build a 33,000-seat Major League Baseball stadium for the Oakland Athletics, who are relocating to Las Vegas.
The resort, which closed on April 2, just shy of its 67th anniversary, was brought down in a 22-second event that featured a coordinated display of 555 drones and fireworks, despite safety measures that restricted public viewing. The implosion was livestreamed, allowing fans to witness the spectacle from afar.
John Fisher, the owner of the Athletics, addressed the significance of the demolition, stating it reflects an important step toward integrating A’s baseball into the Las Vegas Strip and the Southern Nevada community. He expressed hope that the future site would become a hub of unforgettable experiences for baseball fans.
With the closure of the Tropicana, the Sahara stands as the only remaining Strip resort from the 1950s. This event marked the first time a Strip casino has been demolished since the Riviera was taken down to facilitate the expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Following the implosion, an air quality dust advisory was issued by the Clark County Department of Environment & Sustainability, warning of a cloud of “Trop dust” expected in the area. Residents and visitors were advised to limit outdoor activities, close windows, and use air conditioning, as airborne dust can aggravate respiratory conditions. The dust is expected to linger for several hours but should dissipate within a day.